In line with the agreed Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, Government has committed to supporting the production of up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. A first step to realising this ambition was the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy which sets out twenty-five key strategic actions and outlines the necessary supports to drive growth across the biomethane sector. The recently established Biomethane Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, will oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy.
Development of an anaerobic digestion industry is at a nascent stage in Ireland. As part of the strategy development process, three potential high-level scenarios were examined to determine the most credible pathway of delivering the 5.7 TWh target, while at the same time recognising the key strategic objective of delivering a sustainable agri-centric biomethane sector, and the need to ensure farmer and community involvement through support for smaller scale plants. The favoured scenario includes the rollout of a combination of smaller individual farm-based and larger scale AD plants in Ireland.
Anaerobic Digestors (AD), used to produce biomethane, can bring significant benefits to the communities and the local environment in which they are located, but are also significant infrastructure, with impacts on the environment, biospheres, and local communities. AD and other integrated assets are, therefore, correctly required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology.
A priority deliverable under the strategy is the development of planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing AD plants planning applications. These guidelines will be developed by the Biomethane Implementation Group and in collaboration with key Departments and Agencies.
