National Biomethane Strategy published
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD, and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, TD, at the launch of the National Biomethane Strategy.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, have published the National Biomethane Strategy. The National Biomethane Strategy is Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane and is an important milestone in the development of an indigenous sector.
The primary objective of the strategy is to support delivery of the ambitious target of up to 5.7 Tera Watt Hour (TWh) of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030 set by the Government as part of its Climate Action Plan. This target is equivalent to 10% of current usage of fossil gas, however this will rise to over 50% of our usage by the mid 2030's as we shift our economy away from gas in favour of electrification.
Minister McConalogue said: “Farmers will be central to production of this renewable source of energy and thereby major players in the decarbonisation of our energy system through the development of a sustainable biomethane industry.
"This important strategy was identified in the Climate Action Plan (CAP) as the first key step to delivering a 5.7 TWh target of energy production through biomethane by 2030. This aligns with the priorities in agriculture to marry food production, renewable energy and reducing emissions.”
The minister added: “From an Agricultural perspective, clear benefits in terms of contributing to deliver renewable energy targets and providing alternative land use options for farmers have been identified through the research and consultation undertaken in compiling this strategy."
The strategy sets out 25 strategic actions considered key to addressing the challenges and opportunities for the industry, and implementation of these actions will drive growth across the biomethane industry. An integral part of the strategy is sustainable production and an early action for delivery will be the development of a Biomethane Sustainability Charter. The Charter will support an agri-led biomethane industry, whilst having regard to established goals for the protection and restoration of water, soil, biodiversity, and ecosystem services and protect against any unintended negative consequences.
Minister Ryan said: “Publication of the National Biomethane Strategy is a detailed policy step towards reaching a climate neutral economy. It sets us further on course to carbon neutrality by 2050."
