Dr. Stephen Nolan:

I thank the Cathaoirleach and committee members for inviting Bia Energy to this important discussion on anaerobic digestion. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this vital conversation, especially as Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in its transition to a low-carbon economy. For those less familiar, anaerobic digestion is a natural process where microorganisms break down organic matter which include farm slurries, food processing residues and food waste in the absence of oxygen. This produces biogas, primarily methane, which can be upgraded to biomethane for injection into the gas grid and a nutrient-rich digestate that serves as a sustainable fertiliser.

Among other roles, I am technical lead at Bia Energy. Since completing my PhD in optimisation of anaerobic digestion, I have been involved to varying degrees with eight of the ten or so operational AD plants in Ireland and other plants across Europe, including managing Ireland's first biomethane-to-grid plant for three years. More recently, I have overseen the redevelopment of Ireland's best-in-class AD facility, Bia Energy.

In 2023 the Sretaw group acquired Bia Energy and it has since transformed it into Ireland's largest operational plant, processing up to 100,000 tonnes of organic waste and residues annually, right off the M50 for efficient logistics. Since commissioning in 2024, we have been ramping up with a view to generating 120 GWh of renewable biomethane each year, enough to heat nearly 11,000 homes, directly injected into Gas Networks Ireland's grid. This will decarbonise the national gas network and displace fossil fuels, aligning with Ireland's climate action plan. We are equally proud of our agricultural impact. Our plant yields 90,000 tonnes of digestate annually, a pathogen-free, odour-reduced biofertiliser that can support over 10,000 acres of farmland in counties Dublin and Meath, offering farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical inputs.

Why does anaerobic digestion matter so urgently for Ireland's agriculture and food sectors? First, environmentally, agriculture accounts for about one third of our greenhouse gas emissions, much from methane in manure and waste. AD captures that methane, reducing emissions by up to 90% compared to land-spreading, while producing renewable energy to meet several key Government and EU objectives. Second, economically, it creates jobs. Our Dublin plant supports over 20 direct roles and bolsters rural economies by valorising waste streams. Farmers supplying feedstock to plants like ours can diversify their revenue streams. Third, it enhances energy security. With gas imports vulnerable to global shocks, indigenous biomethane from AD could cover 10% to 15% of our gas needs.

Yet, despite this potential, Ireland's AD sector is nascent. As of mid-2025, we have fewer than ten commercial-scale AD plants operational, producing just a fraction of our potential. To hit the Government's ambitious 5.7 TWh biomethane target by 2030, equivalent to powering 500,000 homes, we need over 100 new facilities, backed by scaled-up anaerobic digestion infrastructure. Challenges persist: feedstock competition from exports to Northern Ireland, where a strong renewable obligation supports the industry; grid connections can take years; lack of a trained workforce; and lack of market certainty.

From Bia Energy's vantage, the path forward is clear and achievable. We are planning two more projects in the near term, but as early movers we are exposed to risk while support frameworks are still being finalised. While the recently announced renewable heat obligation, RHO, is welcome, it needs strong protections for indigenous biomethane and a clear trajectory for ten to 15 years to de-risk financing. We urge the committee to champion a bankable mechanism such as a guaranteed floor price, green gas certificates or contracts for difference to underpin revenues so banks can lend to projects. Incentives like accelerated capital allowances and grants under the new biomethane strategy could unlock €1 billion to €2 billion in private investment, but public cofunding for early projects from ISIF, SBCI or the EIB would de-risk private capital and accelerate investment.

Anaerobic digestion is not just a technology; it is a lifeline for Irish farming, substantially cutting emissions while diversifying revenue. Bia Energy is committed to scaling this for a greener Ireland. We look forward to the committee's questions and collaboration.