Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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168. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if anaerobic and biogas systems form part of the carbon reduction plan as part of Ireland’s obligations under the European Green Deal and in the formulation of future energy planning in the setting of targets and priorities for energy transition; if so, if financial supports will be made available to farmers and industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25420/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government, the National Energy & Climate Plan, and the Climate Action Plan all support the use of biogas produced from anaerobic digestion as a means of contributing towards meeting Ireland's climate and energy targets. The production of biogas from anaerobic digestion can reduce fossil fuel use and help reduce emissions in the agricultural sector.The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat financially supports the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users. The scheme, which is operated by the SEAI, provides a multiannual payment for up to 15 years for anaerobic digestion heating systems.

Biogas can also be upgraded to biomethane and injected into the natural gas grid. The National Energy & Climate Plan, which was published last month, sets an indicative target for indigenous biomethane of 1.6 TWh by 2030 which would replace circa three percent of natural gas use. The National Energy & Climate Plan also set out the options for supporting biomethane that are under consideration which include:

- an obligation in the transport sector through the Biofuels Obligation Scheme;

- a new obligation in the heat sector; and

- an exchequer funded support.

My Department is currently considering how best to support the development of biomethane in line with the indicative target set in the National Energy and Climate Plan.