Mr. Seán Kinsella:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to discuss with it the topic of anaerobic digestion. I will be representing the chair of the biomethane implementation group.

Ireland is recognised as having one of the largest potentials for biomethane production in Europe per capita due to Ireland’s substantial agricultural sector. Biomethane can bring multiple benefits, including emission reduction in the energy sector; reduced agriculture sector emissions through diversification opportunities for livestock farmers; reduced emissions from animal by-products; and replacement of chemical fertiliser with bio-based fertiliser. A domestic biomethane sector can stimulate the rural economy as most biomethane production is envisaged to occur in rural Ireland due to the nature of feedstock required. It also improves national gas security and diversification of supply. Government has committed to supporting a production level of 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane per annum, which equates to approximately 10% of current gas demand in Ireland.

Delivery of this ambitious target will require the development of an anaerobic digestion sector at scale. A first key step in this regard was the development and publication of the national biomethane strategy in May 2024. The strategy sets out a pathway to address the challenges in achieving target delivery and outlines the necessary supports and policy enablers needed to drive growth across the biomethane sector. Shortly after the publication of the national biomethane strategy, the biomethane implementation group was established. The group is chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, with the close support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, reporting to the heat and built environment task force. The biomethane implementation group consists of representatives from relevant Departments, State agencies and semi-State companies, which bring their respective expertise to the sector and have specific responsibility for implementation of individual actions set out in the strategy.

While anaerobic digestors used to produce biomethane can bring significant benefits to the communities and local environment in which they are located, they are also significant infrastructure. Important deliverables under the national biomethane strategy include actions that will see the development of planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing anaerobic digestion plants, and a communication strategy to ensure information on the sector is readily available for all stakeholders, notably, local communities in the vicinity of where anaerobic digestion plants are potentially being built.

The anaerobic digestion sector is regulated through a number of State agencies and Departments. To meet Ireland’s target of 5.7 TWh of biomethane production, the required anaerobic digestion developments and related infrastructure are subject to consent, including but not limited to planning permissions, licences and permits approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Environmental Protection Agency, the local authority or An Coimisiún Pleanála, as applicable. Anaerobic digestion and other integrated assets are required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land zoning plans and ecology.

The implementation group has also developed an environmental sustainability charter. By following the best practices outlined in this document, operators, farmers, engineers, planning consultants, design engineers and developers demonstrate their commitment to maximising the benefits and valorisation of anaerobic digestion and bio-based products, while minimising its environmental impact, improving water quality and ensuring high-quality safety standards.

The biomethane implementation group is working hard to implement the 25 actions set out in the national biomethane strategy and is fully committed to the development of an anaerobic digestion sector that can maximise the benefits for Ireland, while ensuring it adheres to best practice and benefits all stakeholders. We are happy to answer any questions members may have on the national biomethane strategy and the implementation of the 25 actions it sets out.