Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
271. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in relation to the development of the biogas industry from agricultural waste, in view of its potential to the Irish economy, fuel imports reduction and greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14361/15]
View answerMy Department recognises the need to encourage the utilisation of agricultural waste as an alternative source of energy. I am cognisant of the role that a resource-efficient agriculture sector can play in contributing to renewable energy targets, especially where it can improve its competitiveness and promote job creation
My Department in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency, has sought to encourage the use of animal by-products as “valuable by-products not waste”. The sustainable use of animal by-products (ABP) can result in wider environmental and economic benefits. Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants which use animal by-products as a feedstock to produce biogas are subject to processing and hygiene requirements as set out in EU ABP regulation. My Department has drawn up detailed conditions of approval for such plants following consultation with stakeholder representatives in the ABP Consultative Forum.
In 2006, my Department launched a Pilot Waste Processing Facilities Scheme with funding of €4 million in order to provide grant-aid for the installation of anaerobic digesters on ten Irish farms. To date, one applicant has been paid under the Scheme and I understand that a number of others have expressed interest in commencing on-farm projects. Funding extensions have been granted for that purpose.
As a large ruminant livestock producer, it is notable that methane contributes a significant portion of Ireland’s agriculture greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While it is possible to produce and utilise methane through AD of stored manure, analysis to date would suggest that costs are a significant factor.
Officials from my Department have contributed to the development of the Draft Bioenergy Plan which was published by my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in October 2014. The draft Plan recommends a number of policy and enabling actions including the continued encouragement of the innovative use of animal by-products to produce energy. It also provides for further analysis to be carried out on the costs and benefits of biogas and biomethane.
In early 2015, the Bioenergy Steering Group was formed by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) with the purpose of furthering the vision set out in the Draft Bioenergy Plan . Four working groups were established, aiming to develop measures on four aspects of Bioenergy: electricity and heat, transport, supply, and research, development and demonstration. Public and private sector stakeholders will contribute to each working group. My Department is working closely with DCENR in assessing the potential of bioenergy from the agriculture and forestry sectors, including from AD, to contribute to the 2020 targets contained in the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive. My Department is actively involved in all of the working groups mentioned above. The work of these groups will be important in informing future policy developments in relation to bioenergy.
