Gas Networks Ireland and UK-headed CycleØ Ltd, a European developer, owner, and operator of biogas plants, have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to accelerate the development and integration of biomethane production into Ireland’s gas network.
Ireland has a unique opportunity with biomethane, aka renewable natural gas (RNG), a carbon-neutral renewable gas produced from farm and food waste through anaerobic digestion (AD).
Outlined as having the highest potential for RNG production per capita in Europe, Ireland can use RNG to reduce agricultural emissions while decarbonising the energy system.
In addition, the AD process produces digestate, a nutrient-rich and renewable alternative to synthetic fertilisers that helps to improve soil health and reduce the carbon intensity of farms.
The MoU outlines the collaborative engagement between Gas Networks Ireland and CycleØ to connect CycleØ’s biomethane plants to the gas network in support of the Government targets of the delivery of up to 5.7 TWh of indigenous RNG by 2030.
A EUR 100 million investment
CycleØ has committed to a EUR 100 million investment in four new innovative agri-based biomethane plants in Ireland to produce a total of 160 GWh per annum, which it will equity-finance, build, and operate.
CycleØ plans to build and operate these facilities in Limerick, Kildare, Cavan, and Galway.
Gas Networks Ireland will facilitate these connections, enabling the direct injection of biomethane into the grid.
We are committed to building, owning, and operating biogas plants in Ireland for the long term. The signing of this MoU with Gas Networks Ireland represents a strategic milestone in achieving that and enabling the scaling of biomethane production within Ireland, said James Manley, Ireland Country Manager at CycleØ.
The MoU details Gas Networks Ireland’s commitment to addressing regulatory, access, and consent issues associated with connecting to the gas grid in an efficient and timely manner.
Gas Networks Ireland will also collaborate with CycleØ to standardise, where possible, the design and safety requirements for grid access.
Furthermore, Gas Networks Ireland will ensure adequate resourcing of relevant teams to expedite the delivery of these grid connection projects.
Partnerships like these are an integral part of our strategy in supporting increased biomethane injection across the gas network. Biomethane has a major role to play in Ireland’s energy future, and we look forward to working closely with CycleØ as we progress our Pathways to a Net Zero Carbon Network programme and achieve having 38 percent biomethane flowing through the network by 2045, said Karen Doyle, Head of Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland.
