Planning guidelines for local authorities for anaerobic digestion (AD) plants are currently in development.

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien has said that the guidelines are being prepared through the biomethane strategy implementation group.

Speaking at the Biomethane Day Ireland conference last week, the minister said the guidance is intended to address the inconsistency currently being experienced across planning authorities, particularly in relation to zoning, permitted development and the interpretation of planning policy for AD facilities.

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In turn, this will provide greater certainty for developers and investors.

Backing biomethane

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to developing the biomethane sector. In his opening address, he said Ireland's biomethane sector has now entered an implementation phase, with seven AD plants currently under construction.

Together, these projects represent around 12% of the Government's national biomethane production target of 5.7TWh.

On funding, the Minister confirmed that a second €200m capital grant scheme has been secured through the National Development Plan review, with applications expected to open later this year.

RHO

He also confirmed that the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) remains one of the Department's highest legislative priorities. While the European Commission did not approve Ireland's proposed multiplier for domestically produced biomethane, the minister said the scheme will proceed without it.

Draft legislation is currently undergoing final legal review and is expected to be published in July, before being enacted later this year.

The Department will continue discussions with the European Commission while monitoring how the RHO interacts with capital grant supports, he said.