The publication of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) bill is a significant and welcome step forward, according to the industry group the Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI).

The group welcomed the bill, stating that it a long-awaited and essential policy to drive investment in Ireland’s indigenous biomethane sector.

The new obligation scheme, due to come into effect in 2026 and run until 2045, mandates fossil fuel suppliers to incorporate a rising proportion of renewable heat, explicitly including biomethane, into their mix.

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The RGFI said the RHO provides a critical market signal that supports the commercial viability of anaerobic digestion projects and underpins national and EU decarbonisation targets.

Much-needed investment certainty

“This is a significant and welcome step forward,” said RGFI CEO PJ McCarthy.

“The long-term scope of the RHO offers much-needed investment certainty and sends a strong message to project developers, co-operatives and farmers that biomethane has a central role in Ireland’s energy future,” he said.

However, the RGFI also noted that important details remain to be finalised.

The group said that, among other things, the Government needs to confirm and communicate the level of capital funding available to support biomethane production under the RHO.

It also said provisions are needed to ensure domestic biomethane supply is prioritised in line with national energy security and rural development goals.

Locally produced biomethane

“To unlock the full potential of the RHO, it is vital that these mechanisms are designed to enable early-stage developers and ensure that locally produced biomethane is commercially supported,” McCarthy added.

The RGFI said it looks forward to continuing its engagement with Government and industry partners to ensure the scheme delivers on its promise and supports Ireland’s ambition to produce 5.7TWh of biomethane by 2030.