“Based on the detailed economic analysis that has been carried out, the scheme will focus initially on specific technologies – biomass boilers, anaerobic digestion heating systems and heat pumps. However, I am keenly aware that many of you would like to have seen a support included for biomethane grid injection,” Minister Naughten said on Tuesday.

The Minister was speaking at a workshop bringing together stakeholders in the production of biomethane, which is derived from the anaerobic digestion of farm and food waste such as slurry as well as surplus grass.

Gas Networks Ireland has begun pilot projects to collect this gas and inject it into the national grid, offering farmers and agribusinesses a promising avenue to contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

“This position is recognised by Government, and in approving the scheme, a commitment was made to examine biomethane grid injection for inclusion in successive rounds of the scheme,” Minister Naughten said.

While this would not apply to the initial funding available under the renewable heat scheme later this year, he called on participants in Tuesday’s workshop to make suggestions for inclusion of biomethane grid injection later on.

Watch: pig slurry and out-of-date pizza turned into renewable gas

Naughten commits to biogas support in heat scheme

Minister for Climate Action Denis Naughten has rekindled hope that farmers and agribusinesses could benefit from the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat by injecting biomethane into the gas grid.