The Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI), the representative body for Ireland’s renewable gas sector, has announced a new board of directors to lead the organisation.

The announcement comes as the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) bill, a policy aimed at creating a market for renewable gas, was published last week.

According to a press statement, the new board includes members from the dairy industry and on- and off-grid energy sectors, as well as experts in certification, sustainability and innovation.

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The new board members are:

  • Sean Campbell, natural resources business manager, SGS – chair.
  • Dr Anne Marie Henihan, centre director, Dairy Processing Technology Centre – vice-chair.
  • Julian Beatty, managing director, NovaQ.
  • Padraig Fleming, biomethane programme manager, Gas Networks Ireland.
  • Aoife Grant, head of commercial strategy, Flogas.
  • Catherine Hannon, head of public affairs and sustainability, Calor Ireland.
  • Paul Murphy, MD, Climeaction.
  • PJ McCarthy, CEO, RGFI (executive director).

    • New chair

    Natural resources business manager at SGS Ireland Sean Campbell was elected chair of the board.

    SGS is a global leader in standard certification and compliance and Sean brings a strong track record in environmental governance, verification and sustainability assurance to the position, the statement read.

    Centre director of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) Dr Anne Marie Henihan was elected vice-chair. The DPTC is an industry–academic collaboration focused on innovation and sustainability in dairy processing.

    Anne Marie brings expertise in applied research, sector decarbonisation and stakeholder engagement across one of Ireland’s most important indigenous industries.

    At the inaugural meeting of the new board last week, the board and management of RGFI paid warm tribute to JP Prendergast, who stepped down as chair following seven years of committed service and leadership.

    JP has been central to RGFI’s mission since its foundation in 2014, which he co-established with PJ McCarthy, the statement read.

    Stepping down

    Also stepping down from the board are Dr James McGreer (Nova UCD) and Seamus Crickley (chair, WEW Engineering).

    In recognition of their contribution and to ensure continuity of expertise, the board has established a technical advisory group, which will include JP Prendergast, Dr McGreer and Mr Crickley.

    New phase for RGFI

    The RGFI board has launched a strategic review to shape a new vision supporting members' biomethane and renewable gas goals and to promote a sustainable circular bio-based economy.

    The review, initiated at the July meeting, will involve member input and align with RGFI’s goal of delivering secure, affordable and sustainable renewable gas rooted in Ireland’s agri-food and energy sectors.

    The board will guide policy engagement, including implementation of the new RHO, and support the scale-up of anaerobic digestion and investment frameworks aligned with Irish and EU climate targets.

    “The momentum is real – and the opportunity is now,” said PJ McCarthy.

    “The new board reflects the breadth of our sector and brings a strong mix of technical, industrial, commercial and strategic leadership,” he said.