Biomethane production is still at an early stage of development in Ireland, with only two operational biomethane facilities injecting biomethane into the gas network. A number of plants are currently under construction, notably the Nephin Energy facility in Ballinrobe and the Carbon AMS plant in Duleek, while several others are at the various stages of the planning process.
The volume of biomethane injected into the grid in 2023 was small, equating to approximately 60 GWh per annum, which is equivalent to 0.001% of Ireland’s current gas demand. Biomethane volumes injected into the gas network reduced by approximately 33% to 45 GWh in 2024.
Government is committed to supporting the development of a domestic biomethane industry of scale, and the Biomethane Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, continues to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and monitor target delivery. The Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) Scheme will drive demand for biomethane in the heating sector and stimulate domestic production of biomethane. The Heads of Bill for the RHO were approved by Government on 15 July this year. In addition, my Department is also working on putting capital grants in place from 2026 to support the development of AD plants in Ireland.