EU presidency an 'opportunity to demonstrate leadership' in renewable gas
Ireland's EU presidency provides a "unique opportunity" to "demonstrate European leadership" in renewable gas.
Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI), the representative industry body for Ireland's renewable gas and circular bioeconomy sector, has welcomed a report published this week.
It said the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food's report on anaerobic digestion marked an "important milestone in Ireland's transition from biomethane policy to delivery".
However, the RGFI said the focus must now shift decisively from policy development to implementation and accelerated delivery.
'Pivotal moment'
“The publication of the report comes at a pivotal moment for the sector, with the Renewable Heat Obligation moving into implementation and Ireland's first commercial biomethane plants progressing towards production," Nick Bennett, interim CEO of the RGFI said.
"The priority must now be accelerated delivery if Ireland is to achieve its target of producing 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030.
"As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the next six months provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate European leadership in renewable gas, the circular bioeconomy and energy security."
RGFI said its members are leading the development of Ireland's commercial-scale biomethane industry, giving the forum practical experience of delivering the sector.
"Ireland has an opportunity to become a European leader in indigenous renewable gas, but that opportunity will only be realised if investment, planning, market development and supporting policy move forward at the pace required," Bennett said.
'Opportunity is immediate'
He added that the opportunity "extends well beyond climate action".
"A thriving biomethane sector will strengthen Ireland's energy security, diversify farm incomes, support rural enterprise, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and fertilisers, and enhance national competitiveness," he said.
"The opportunity is immediate, but every delay risks slowing investment decisions and making delivery of Ireland's 2030 ambitions more difficult."
As one of the stakeholders that gave evidence to the committee, the RGFI noted that the report contains a number of recommendations that align with the forum's long-standing priorities.
Market development
The RGFI also said it believes that implementation should now be complemented by a stronger focus on market development.
"Alongside investment and production supports, Ireland now needs to create the long-term market conditions that will underpin investment," Bennett said.
"This includes expanding renewable gas demand across industrial heat, heavy transport, commercial energy users and off-grid applications, while ensuring the transition remains affordable and competitive for businesses and consumers."
Circular bioeconomy
The forum also welcomed the committee's recognition of nutrient recovery and digestate as important components of the circular bioeconomy.
"Digestate should increasingly be recognised as a valuable co-product rather than simply a waste stream," Bennett continued.
"Developing clear national standards and regulatory pathways will help reduce dependence on imported fertilisers, improve nutrient circularity and strengthen the commercial viability of biomethane production while supporting a more circular agricultural economy."
He added that government, industry, farming organisations, researchers and local communities "all have a role to play in ensuring Ireland captures this opportunity".
