Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy

Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to develop a sustainable agri-led biomethane industry. This initiative is driven by the need to meet legally binding climate targets, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and stimulate rural economies. The strategy is is built on five key pillars: sustainability, demand, bioeconomy, economics, and enabling policy. The strategy emphasizes the central role of farmers, positioning them as key contributors to feedstock supply and the broader decarbonisation effort. It promotes the use of anaerobic digestion (AD) to convert organic materials like animal slurry and grass silage into biomethane, which can be injected into the national gas grid or used directly in sectors such as transport, heating, and electricity generation. The strategy also highlights the environmental benefits of AD, including reduced agricultural emissions, improved soil health, and the production of biobased fertilisers. Three deployment scenarios were assessed—widespread small-scale deployment, continuation of current policies, and economic deployment focused on larger plants. A hybrid approach combining the first and third scenarios was chosen to balance economic efficiency with community and farmer involvement. Financial support mechanisms, including capital grants and a Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO), are central to the strategy’s implementation, alongside regulatory reforms and infrastructure development. Sustainability is a core value, with strict adherence to EU Renewable Energy Directive criteria and the development of a Biomethane Sustainability Charter. The strategy also includes plans for stakeholder engagement, training, and the creation of an online information hub to support developers.