Following the publication of the European Commission Detailed Opinion, which deemed the Irish Government’s proposed additional multiplier for indigenous biomethane in the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) scheme to be incompatible with internal market rules, the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) and its members expressed grave concern for the implications for the biomethane sector.
On March 29, 2026, the European Commission published a formal Detailed Opinion to the Irish authorities in response to Ireland’s notification of its proposed Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) scheme, expressing that the proposed multiplier for domestically produced biomethane, aka renewable natural gas (RNG), is incompatible with EU internal market rules.
As a result, Irish authorities are required to postpone the adoption of the draft legislation for six months from the date of its notification to the Commission (which was in late December 2025) and to inform the Commission of the action to address the concerns in the Detailed Opinion, thereby causing further delays to the planned RHO.
For the Irish biogas sector and stakeholders, this is a major setback, as biomethane is a key feature of the proposed RHO.
IrBEA members are frustrated, disappointed, and worried about the development of the Irish biomethane sector following the publication of the European Commission’s opinion on the proposed multiplier. It is concerning that the opinion seems to suggest that issues were raised about the proposed multiplier at an early stage of engagement between the Government officials and the European Commission, but the same pathway was pursued, and valuable time was lost as a result. The latest development regarding the multiplier adds further uncertainty and potentially risks the future and viability of many current and potential biomethane projects, said Seán Finan, CEO of IrBEA.
IrBEA convened a member meeting following the publication of the European Commission opinion and sought member feedback and input.
The message from IrBEA biomethane developers and plant operator members is very clear: 2026 will be a make-or-break year for the Irish biomethane sector, and those investing in and developing projects need to see focused Government action in response to the latest developments. IrBEA has requested a meeting with Minister O’Brien and a separate meeting with the DCEE officials to discuss and seek clarification on a specific matter raised in the opinion, Seán Finan said.
IrBEA calls for the following Government actions to be progressed as a matter of urgency:
- That the RHO legislation is published and progressed through the Oireachtas immediately and without delay, the multiplier element can be added at a later stage if a solution is found to the current impasse with the European Commission. Confirmation of the other important parameters of the RHO scheme in the legislation is needed, including the buy-out rate, rate of obligation, overall ambition, allowable percentage transfer of renewable energy certificates, and many other important aspects are critical at this stage.
- That the Government urgently considers and introduces additional ongoing supports as an alternative to the multiplier to support indigenous biomethane production. There are many tried and trusted support schemes which are Commission-approved and in operation across Europe, which Ireland should adopt and implement without delay. The European Commission opinion refers in a number of instances to consideration of these support schemes.
- That the Minister makes a strong statement reaffirming the Government’s commitment to the development of the Irish biomethane sector in light of the multiplier setback. This statement is needed to reinforce investor certainty and the billions of funding earmarked for the Irish sector. This statement should include timelines for delivery of the RHO legislation, alternative support mechanisms to the multiplier, and other items.
- That the Minister engages directly with IrBEA and biomethane developers to address regulatory, policy, and system bottlenecks that exist and are impacting the progression of projects.
