A proposed agri-focused biogas project in Co. Cork has the potential to supply renewable energy to 56,000 homes.
It is hoped that the biogas will be created by mixing silage and slurry using on-farm anaerobic digesters. The facility will be located in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, and is the first of 17 similar projects to be announced across the country.
Gas Networks Ireland’s target is to deliver 20% of Ireland’s gas supply in a renewable form by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
The announcement made yesterday (Wednesday, November 28), by an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as well as Ministers Donohoe and Bruton, explained that up to €8.5 million in funding is being provided towards the agri-focused initiative.
The funding will support the installation of the first transmission-connected Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility for renewable gas and a grant scheme to promote compressed natural gas vehicles.
A spokesperson from Gas Networks Ireland explained to AgriLand that, when they are in place, it is hoped the CGI facilities will be supplied by farmers in a co-operative based approach.
Also Read: ‘GRAZE Gas’ project receives climate action fundingIt is understood that the aim is for farmers to build the anaerobic digesters on their farms and then sell the gas to the national grid via the CGI facility.