Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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603. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has considered the use of anaerobic digestion technology as an energy source here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4774/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Biogas, which is produced by anaerobic digestion, can be utilised to generate electricity, heat or as a transport fuel. In addition, biomethane, produced by removing impurities from biogas, can be used as a substitute for natural gas and can be injected directly into the gas grid. Electricity and combined heat and power produced from biogas is already supported under the REFIT schemes and biogas and biomethane, when used as a transport fuel, can be used to meet the obligations set under the Biofuel Obligation Scheme.

Academic and industry research suggests that there is a potentially significant role for biogas and biomethane in the heat and transport sectors. However, given the stage of technology development and cost, more detailed economic analysis of the supply chains, from production through to distribution and use, would be helpful to guide future policy. In this regard, the draft Bioenergy Plan proposes that the Bioenergy Steering Group, which has been established to coordinate the implementation of the draft Plan, would consider the matter further.