The recently held Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) 25th National Bioenergy conference saw a capacity crowd of over 200 delegates to hear from a distinguished line-up of speakers with a wide range of expertise who focused on the theme 'Biomethane and Biofuel – Transitioning from Ambition to Delivery.'
IrBEA acknowledges and thanks this year’s conference sponsors, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), with additional sponsorship received from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Biogest, and Fehily Timoney.
For many years we have talked about the potential for biogas and biomethane and the overwhelming view of conference delegates is that we are now moving to the delivery phase. Globally, we live in very uncertain times with extreme volatility in fossil fuel prices, rising fertiliser prices, climate change, and energy security is now a key strategic priority for all Governments. Bioenergy, biomethane and biofuels are solutions that can provide renewable energy, biofertiliser, energy security and turn our common challenges into bioeconomy opportunities, said Seán Finan, CEO of IrBEA.
RHO legislation urgency
In choosing the conference title ‘Biomethane and Biofuel – Transitioning from Ambition to Delivery’ earlier this year, all indications were that the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) legislation would be published at this stage and be progressing through the Oireachtas and moving from the legislative framework to implementation.
A consistent message from delegates at the conference was on the importance of the RHO legislation being published and the obligation rates up to 2030 and beyond being confirmed as quickly as possible to give investor certainty and to ensure that the funds backing the main biomethane (aka renewable natural gas – RNG) developers in Ireland are actually invested here and not moved elsewhere.
The building blocks for the development of the Irish biomethane sector are starting to align, but we need to see the Renewable Heat Obligation legislation published as a matter of urgency. It was very welcome that the opening of the Biomethane capital grants scheme ‘Expression of Interest’ portal was formally announced at our conference by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment officials attending, said Seán Finan, highlighting the importance of the RHO for biomethane developers and their investors.
Over 30 RNG projects in the pipeline
IrBEA estimates that there are over 30 large-scale biomethane projects either in the planning, the appeals process, or have successfully navigated the planning process and have either started construction or are about to start.
Developers are mobilising and are delivery-focused. GNI has signed connection agreements with a number of projects, which is great to see.
The opening of the Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility, by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in Mitchelstown recently is another important milestone.
Several biomethane projects were recipients of the initial DAFM biomethane capital grant support, but IrBEA is disappointed that there was “such inflexibility” from the EU on the project completion timelines, which resulted in only €19 million of €40 million drawdown, with not all projects being completed.
Digestion technology to produce biogas and biomethane can be mobilised at all sizes and scales in Ireland – from farm-scale production to industrial scale. IrBEA and its biomethane and biofuel members are eager to meaningfully contribute to decarbonisation, emissions reductions, renewable energy targets and energy security. They are ready to take the next steps and transition from ambition to delivery, said Seán Finan.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Large Industrial and Renewable Gas Sales Manager Sean Crowley spoke at the conference about how the gas network operator is supporting the development of Ireland’s renewable gas sector.
It’s been an exciting year for Ireland’s biomethane industry, and at Gas Networks Ireland, we are turning ambition into tangible delivery with the opening of our Mitchelstown Central Grid Injection facility – the first in Europe- and connecting biomethane producers Bia Energy and College Group directly to the gas network. Through continued collaboration with producers, customers and industry partners, we are building real momentum behind Ireland’s biomethane sector. We look forward to connecting more biomethane producers directly to the network over the next twelve months, Sean Crowley said.
Irish biofuels – the quiet achiever
Beyond biomethane, the other key focus of the conference was on the Irish liquid biofuels sector.
In contrast to biomethane, the Irish liquid biofuels sector is delivering decarbonised transport solutions through the two flagship IrBEA members and producers in the liquid fuel area, Green Biofuels Ireland in New Ross, Co. Wexford, and College Group in Nobber, Co. Meath.
The liquid biofuels sector in Ireland really is the sleeping giant of renewable transport decarbonisation. The sector is quietly providing over 90 percent of the renewable energy used in Transport, despite all the policy focus, support and narrative being on electric vehicles, Seán Finan said, referring to the strategic importance of the Irish liquid biofuels sector.
