There is “untapped potential” for renewable gases in Ireland, according to the European Commission.
In a Commission staff working document, it said there is further potential to see what can be done in key sectors to reach the country’s renewables penetration and decarbonisation targets.
This in particular includes “further upscaling” of biomethane production in Ireland.
Ireland's first target for domestic biomethane production of 1.6TWh [terawatt hours] by 2030 was outlined in the first Climate Action Plan. In the revised plan, this figure increased to 5.7TWh.
'Potential'
“Considering the Irish agricultural sector, the waste and by-streams of whose livestock and dairy industry are suitable for biogas, potential is significantly higher.
“It is estimated that it could be around 12.53TWh,” it said.
In view of the REPowerEU objectives and the current high prices of methane, the Commission said that Ireland’s indicative target, should be “significantly increased”.
“The policies and measures necessary for it to be reached should be specified in the revised national energy and climate plan,” it added.
Food waste and AD
The agri-food system needs to further develop initiatives to tackle food waste, according to the Commission.
“Ireland’s composting and anaerobic digestion per head has increased moderately since 2016, but remained below the EU27 average in 2020 at 70kg per head vs 97kg.
“Increasing anaerobic digestion could enhance Ireland’s strategic autonomy by generating biomethane and/or producing organic fertilisers. The new CAP strategic plan provides for some support for producers to make investments in reducing waste,” it said.
