Research: Reusing gas pipelines essential to biomethane supply
The co-chair of the Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) biomethane working group, Padraig Fleming has presented an EU wide study on the role of biomethane in decarbonising the European energy system in Brussels this week.
The study demonstrates the vital role that Europe's existing gas infrastructure, pipelines and underground storage, will play in scaling up biomethane, a renewable gas derived from organic waste, to help meet the EU's climate goals.
It is projected that up to 101 billion cubic meters of biomethane production across the EU by 2040. This is the equivalent to 20 times Ireland's annual gas demand.
The study concludes that reusing existing gas pipelines and infrastructure will be essential to connect biomethane supply, often in rural areas, with demand centres in towns and cities, while also balancing seasonal demand peaks.
Gas Networks Ireland's Padraig Fleming presented the study's findings and moderated a panel discussion featuring senior EU policymakers and energy leaders.
He said: 'This study confirms what we in Ireland have long believed, that biomethane is not only key for decarbonisation, but also an opportunity to revitalise rural economies, strengthen our energy independence and make use of the infrastructure we already have.
'Ireland's €3bn, 14,725km national gas network, is considered one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in Europe.'
'Biomethane offers a homegrown, sustainable energy source that can strengthen energy security, boost energy sovereignty and deliver significant emissions reductions, particularly in agriculture and heating,' Fleming added.
Fleming also believes that raising awareness of biomethane's environmental and economic benefits within rural and farming communities, will be vital to building support and accelerating adoption.
Biomethane
According to Fleming, in order to unlock biomethane's potential, the EU must address a number of key barriers.
This includes establishing a level playing field for biomethane among renewable energy sources, with long-term support schemes and regulatory stability.
'We also need an EU-wide certification scheme for cross-border renewable gas trade and a fair regulatory framework for renewable gas technologies and connections,' Fleming said.
Gas Networks Ireland said it is working to transform the national gas network to operate on 100% renewable gases by 2045.
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