Letters of offer under the 2024 Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme have started issuing to approved applicants, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue confirmed today (Friday, September 20).
The scheme intents to assist with the development of the biomethane sector by providing a grant to aid capital investment for the construction of plants, including upgrades to existing biogas plants, and the development of new plants.
The opening of the €40 million scheme was announced last month. Successful applicants that meet the scheme eligibility and selection criteria are in line to receive grant aid of 20% of investment up to a maximum of €5 million.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has partnered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to oversee the administration of the grant to ensure efficient delivery of the grant scheme.
Applicants who receive a letter of offer and wish to accept the grant offer must reply to the SEAI within 14 days of receipt of the letter of offer that they receive.
Announcing the issuing of offer letters, Minister McConalogue said there is a high level of interest in the scheme which demonstrates “real confidence and readiness” to invest in the development of a biomethane industry.
“Since the publication of the Biomethane Strategy in May of this year, I opened a call for expressions of interest, immediately followed by the opening of this capital grant scheme for full applications.
“All applications have now been evaluated with letters of offer being issued imminently.
“I recognised that the industry needs capital support to be kick-started and I am delighted to be able to deliver this €40 million in funding support commitment.
“I am keen to see the industry grow and as a result provide opportunities and benefits to the agriculture sector,” Minister McConalogue said making the announcement today.