Northern Ireland Seeks to Develop “Sustainable Biomethane Sector” Public Comment DEADLINE August 9, 2024

July 02, 2024

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(Bioenergy Insight) ... Encirc’s sustainability director, Fiacre O’Donnell has said that the “only way to achieve a truly Net Zero future is to adopt new sustainable fuel sources at scale”.

Fiacre was speaking in the wake of Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey announcing a three-month Call for Evidence seeking information and views from key stakeholders on developing a sustainable biomethane sector in Northern Ireland.

Recent research indicates that this region has significant biomethane potential due its large agricultural sector.

Welcoming the news, Fiacre said: “We know that the only way to achieve a truly Net Zero future, is to adopt new sustainable fuel sources at scale. That is why we at Encirc, and the wider Vidrala Group, welcome the ‘Call for Evidence’ by the Department for the Economy NI on developing biomethane production here.”

He added: “Decarbonising glass furnaces, which reach temperatures of 1,600 degrees, is no easy feat. Fossil fuels have been used for thousands of years to make glass. However, we see biomethane as a credible alternative to fossil fuels in the production of container glass in Northern Ireland.

“It can be generated at a large scale from the strong agricultural sector we have in the country, and using biomethane in Northern Ireland’s modern gas grid needs to be a key part of plans for decarbonising energy. So, let’s keep moving forward in our Zero Carbon journey!”

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She (Hargey) also sees the economic benefit such a move could make for the Northern Ireland economy.

“The first injection of locally produced biomethane into the gas network last November was a welcome development which we must build upon. Implementing green technologies is often presented as a cost, but the development of the biomethane sector here presents significant economic opportunities for the rural economy in the creation of good jobs, raising productivity and addressing historical regional imbalances,” Minister Hargey concluded. READ MORE

Related articles

Hargey seeks views on developing a sustainable biomethane sector (Newry Times)
Call for evidence – developing biomethane production in Northern Ireland (A&L Goodbody)

Excerpt from A&L GoodBody: Northern Ireland has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy with biomethane development a key component of this strategy, given its potential to replace fossil fuels in heating, electricity and transport sectors. The Department for the Economy has initiated a call for evidence to gather insights from stakeholders, ensuring:

Diverse participation from industry experts, environmental groups, farmers and the general public
Comprehensive assessment of existing policies and regulations to identify gaps and opportunities for biomethane production
Support for incentives and innovation that is best to support and scale up biomethane production

Key considerations

Feedstock supply and sustainability
Identifying sustainable sources of organic material, exploring the availability of agricultural waste, food waste, and other biomass resources.
Technology and infrastructure development
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide insights on the latest industry-wide technologies capable of efficient biomethane production and the necessary infrastructure to make widescale production capable.
Economic viability and support mechanisms
The financial feasibility of biomethane is of utmost importance. Stakeholder input is required on potential subsidies, grants, and other support mechanisms that could incentivise investment in biomethane.
Market development and demand
Understanding the potential market for biomethane, including its use in heating, power generation, and transportation is essential to developing the market for biomethane. Stakeholders are asked to expand upon the current demand and future market opportunities that may arise.
Regulatory and policy barriers
Identifying exiting regulatory and policy barriers to biomethane both in this jurisdiction and in others that can be overcome to encourage biomethane production.

The call to evidence for developing biomethane in Northern Ireland is a vital step in enhancing this jurisdiction’s renewable energy capacity while seeking to achieve the path to net zero targets. Comprehensive input from stakeholders will inform the development of effective policies and support mechanisms to promote the production and use of biomethane.

The call for evidence consultation paper and survey can be found here with the consultation closing on 9 August 2024. READ MORE