Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I thank Deputy Kelly, and I am happy to respond on behalf of the Minister. I am sure the Deputy, as a former Minister, will know the calls on Ministers and in some cases they cannot be here. In that context, I am happy to be here.

What the Deputy said is right. Biomethane will play a crucial role in Ireland reaching its decarbonisation targets and security of energy supply, and Ireland is uniquely positioned to develop a sustainable biomethane sector due to the nature of the agricultural sector in our country. I know the Deputy recognises that.

Government has committed to deliver up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane per annum by 2030. The national biomethane strategy is Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane and is an important milestone in the development of this indigenous sector.

The strategy sets out 25 actions to be delivered in the coming years to enable the development of the sector. Along with providing supports and policy certainty, these actions aim to improve the development timelines and economics of projects in order to meet the 5.7 TWh target by 2030.

Delivery of this ambitious target will require the development of a significant number of anaerobic digester, AD, plants throughout the country. Biomethane within our energy system will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits. Biomethane can replace natural gas in various sectors, reducing the need for imported fossil fuels, and I think the Deputy will agree that is an important objective. Biomethane is a carbon-neutral fuel, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Biomethane production offers a sustainable way to manage organic waste, another crucial issue for Ireland. The development of biomethane industry can create jobs and stimulate the rural economy, and having an indigenous source of renewable gas improves energy security.

While ADs used to produce biogas and biomethane can bring significant benefits to the communities and local environment in which they are located, they are, as the Deputy rightly said, significant infrastructure that will impact on the environment, biospheres and local communities.

The Government recognises the urgent need for the introduction of planning guidelines for suitable locations for biomethane plants. Priority deliverables under the national biomethane strategy include actions 5F and 5G which will see the development of planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing AD plants with planning applications and a review of resourcing requirements of key Government agencies to support development of the industry.

We need a clear understanding of AD technology and consistency of approach by our planning authorities when they are assessing AD projects to improve our planning and permitting processes. These guidelines of which the Deputy spoke will be developed by the biomethane implementation group, chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Teagasc and the SEAI.

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