Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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48. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the actions that relate specifically to anaerobic digestion in the Climate Action Plan 2021; the number of these actions that have been completed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62826/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The ambition of Anaerobic Digestion and the production of Biomethane has been significantly increased in the latest Climate Action Plan with a target of up to 5.7 Twh of biomethane – a three- fold increase from Climate Action Plan 2021. The action that the Deputy is referring to for Anaerobic Digestion in Climate Action Plan 2021 is Action 318: “Conduct further research into biomass and mature feedstocks for biogas production through Anaerobic Digestion”. In order to achieve this action, my officials identified four key measures as enablers. These measures were:

1. Seek funding for research on low nitrogen multispecies swards as AD feedstock and AD optimisation.

2.Establish an experiment to quantify country specific N2O Emissions Factor for digestate to quantify system sustainability under REDII.

3.Commence experiments to optimise biomethane yield from co-digestion of agricultural feedstocks.

4.Start-up of the Teagasc biomethane anaerobic digestion pilot plant in Grange.

The research measures identified were assigned to Teagasc to conduct on behalf of my Department. To date, Actions 1-3 above have been completed. Action 4 , the start-up of the Teagasc Biomethane Plant at Grange, was delayed due to supply chain issues but the final component (a biomethane upgrader) is expected to arrive in Q2 2023 and commissioning of the plant is expected to occur in Q3 2023. Reflecting the importance of this action as a demonstration site, the action has been carried across to the new Climate Action Plan 2023.