A plan to produce zero-carbon home-grown gas from grass and organic waste is set to be presented to Cabinet by Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue. The National Biomethane Strategy aims to offer farmers a lucrative income stream, with the potential to provide up to 50% of Ireland’s gas needs within 15 years.
The strategy marks an important milestone in the growth of an indigenous sector in Ireland, with plans to develop up to 200 anaerobic digestion plants in the country. These plants will create biomethane from plant material and animal waste, helping to reduce imports and offering farmers new income opportunities.
Despite concerns about fair compensation for farmers participating in the strategy, the government is exploring ways to support the development of the biomethane industry. Additionally, a new high-level Biomethane Implementation Group will be formed to drive the strategy forward and seek funding for further expansion.
Minister Ryan will also address the urgent need to tackle climate issues, highlighting the recent extreme weather events and the need for accelerated climate policies to meet these challenges head-on. The memo on ‘Climate Tipping Points’ underscores the importance of immediate action to address the deteriorating climate.
Additional reporting: Jog Mag Raollaigh