Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
286. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 15 April 2026, if the reason is known for the volume of biomethane generated in Ireland declining in 2024 and 2025 compared to the peak in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29983/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBiomethane production is still at an early stage of development in Ireland, with only two operational biomethane facilities injecting biomethane into the gas grid. During the course of 2025 one plant had equipment issues and also had a change of ownership resulting in the decline of biomethane generation over that period.
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.
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 RHO Heads of Bill were approved by Government and drafting of the RHO legislation is currently underway. In addition, my Department is also in the initial stage of putting capital grants in place from 2026 to support the development of anaerobic digestion plants in Ireland.
