Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Gas Networks Ireland have broken ground to mark the commencement of construction for the €32 million Mitchelstown Biomethane Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in Co. Cork.

Biomethane is a carbon neutral renewable gas derived from organic sources such as landfill, food waste and agricultural waste.

CGI facilities provide injection points for production sites that may be located remotely from the existing gas network.

Biomethane

Gas Networks Ireland has said that the new facility is a transformative step in Ireland’s transition towards renewable energy, enabling the injection of biomethane into the national gas network.

The Mitchelstown CGI will have the capacity to inject up to 700 GWh of renewable biomethane gas annually, contributing approximately 12% of the Government’s 2030 biomethane target.

The facility will also reduce national carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by an estimated 130,000 tonnes per year.

Gas Networks Ireland added that biomethane offers the Irish agriculture sector and farming families the opportunity to diversify and add a new revenue stream, as it is produced through the breakdown of organic material.

This development follows a successful market engagement exercise led by Gas Networks Ireland earlier this year.

A request for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to supply biomethane to the new CGI facility in Mitchelstown drew interest from 22 prospective biomethane producers.

Cathal Marley, Gas Networks Ireland chief executive, said the response to the EOI “demonstrates the growing momentum behind Ireland’s biomethane industry”.

“The 1,862 GWh of potential production from just 22 interested producers showcases the significant capacity of this sector to meet, and possibly exceed, our renewable biomethane gas targets.

“The Mitchelstown CGI facility is a key part of this vision, allowing for the injection of renewable gas into the national system and furthering our goal of a net zero carbon gas network by 2045,” he added.

Gas Networks Ireland

The CGI facility in Mitchelstown is anticipated to be the first in a rollout of several facilities as previously outlined in Gas Networks Ireland’s recently published Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network.

Marley welcomed the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy earlier this year which included the introduction of capital grants.

However, he said that more positive supports such as obligations for end users, and a potential feed in tariff to ensure the viability of biomethane production would provide further momentum to the development of the biomethane industry.

Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the Mitchelstown project is “a significant development in Ireland’s energy infrastructure, enabling the drive towards decarbonisation”.

“This facility also represents a pivotal opportunity for our agricultural industry. By enabling farmers to diversify into biomethane production, we are opening up new revenue streams that will benefit rural communities and contribute to our broader sustainability goals.

“The Mitchelstown CGI facility will help us leverage Ireland’s agricultural potential to produce renewable energy, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and drive the transition towards a greener, more resilient economy,” he said.

The delivery of the Mitchelstown CGI facility is being made possible through the collaboration of two key partners, Fingleton White in terms of design and Murphy International as the construction contractor.

Gas Networks Ireland said that commissioning of the first phase is expected towards the end of 2025.