Latest news with #NationalBiomethaneStrategy
Agriland
31-07-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Planning guidelines for biomethane plants a 'key priority'
The development of centralised planning guidelines for biomethane plants to support local authorities is a "key priority", according to government. Minister of State Marian Harkin, speaking in the Dáil on behalf of government recently, said that the "urgent need" for the introduction of these guidelines for suitable locations for biomethane plants is recognised. "Priority deliverables under the National Biomethane Strategy include actions which will see the development of planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing anaerobic digestion (AD) plants with planning applications and a review of resourcing requirements of key government agencies to support development of the industry," the minister said. "We need a clear understanding of AD technology and consistency of approach by our planning authorities when they are assessing AD projects to improve our planning and permitting processes." These planning guidelines will be developed by the biomethane implementation group, comprised of relevant key government departments and agencies, as well as sectoral representatives. Minister Harkin has said that while a timeline cannot be provided, guidelines are already being developed by the biomethane implementation group. Labour TD Alan Kelly has said it is "absolutely incredible that in 2025, we do not have planning guidelines or regulations regarding this technology". "I actually believe in these renewables and in this whole technology but given that we are going to have between 200 and 250 of these plants all over the country, we have to start asking serious questions about why we have not got regulations on this before we start doing it," deputy Kelly said. "However, we also need to ensure communities understand and have rules around which they can engage on where these plants are going to be put in place, and that is not happening. "The locations where some of these plants have been proposed are being fought across the country because there is a lack of public and community engagement. "We really need to look at how we are going to ensure there is a system in place for the regulation and planning of these." He added that there needs to be a plan that outlines spatially and geographically where Ireland needs to put all of these plants, along with "what size we need to put in each place, what tariff will be in place to make it economically viable, and what type of waste is going into all of these plants". "We need to do so through a regulatory framework that exists, an economic framework that is viable and planning guidelines," he said. Minister of State Marian Harkin said that biomethane will play a "crucial role" in Ireland reaching its decarbonisation targets and security of energy supply. "Ireland is uniquely positioned to develop a sustainable biomethane sector due to the nature of the agricultural sector in our country," she said. "Government has committed to deliver up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously-produced biomethane per annum by 2030. "The national biomethane strategy is Ireland's first major policy statement on biomethane and is an important milestone in the development of this indigenous sector." Harkin said it is recognised that these AD plants are "significant infrastructure and require a full planning and permitting process to ensure consideration of a range of factors". "These include location, visual impact, land zoning plans, ecology, economies," she said. "As such, a key priority is the development of centralised planning guidelines for AD plants to support our local authorities. When finalised, these will be available on the biomethane information hub."
Irish Examiner
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Examiner
Climate body calls for urgent Government action to 'actively encourage' tree-planting
Urgent action is needed now to ensure Ireland's forestry sector — generally assumed to be a carbon sink — does not become a source of greenhouse gas emissions, the Climate Change Advisory Council has warned. Tree-planting rates remain well below the target of 8,000 hectares per year. And storms Darragh and Éowyn exposed how vulnerable Ireland's forests are to extreme weather, with more than 26,000 hectares damaged by severe winds. The damage to forests during the winter of 2024/25 is likely to result in a significant one-off increase in carbon losses from the sector, the full extent of which will not be assessed until reporting in 2026, the council said. A large proportion of the national forest estate is also approaching harvesting age, and afforestation rates are insufficient to balance the resulting removals of stored carbon, the council warned. The forestry sector is projected to have transitioned from sink to source of carbon in 2024. The Climate Change Advisory Council has issued the stark warnings in its Annual Review of the Agriculture and Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry sector report. Strengthened policy levers are required to incentivise increased tree-planting, the council said. Agriculture remains the largest source of emissions in Ireland, and this sector must reduce emissions by 25% by 2030 to meet the target in the latest Climate Action Plan. Provisional data from 2024 showed emissions had decreased by only 4.6% since 2018. The council highlighted a range of areas it said must be addressed to reduce emissions from the sector. This includes the deployment of methane-reducing manure additives, and greater use of protected urea fertilisers. Increasing diversification in the sector is also critical, particularly in relation to the National Biomethane Strategy, which the council has described as "piecemeal" and lacking joined-up thinking. Commenting on the need for improved performance from the forestry sector, Marie Donnelly, chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council said: 'What we have seen in the sector is a failure of policy, with schemes to incentivise more planting not delivering the results required. 'We need a policy from Government that will actively encourage afforestation in the areas most suited to planting. The council is concerned about plans to plant on deep peatlands, with all evidence suggesting that this leads to significant carbon losses over time. "Therefore, it is essential that the current constraints on afforestation on deep peat remain unchanged and are rigorously enforced.' The council also highlighted the opportunity for the forestry sector to deliver modern construction methods with the expansion of timber frame construction providing the potential for a strong domestic market for locally produced timber. The forestry sector contributes €2.1bn to the Irish economy, employing more than 9,400 people. One cubic metre of timber replacing concrete and steel in construction saves 0.77t CO2 emissions. Yet only 24% of building construction in Ireland is timber, compared to over 80% in places like Finland, Scotland and Sweden. Read More Healy-Rae: Time to use Irish timber for construction
Agriland
10-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Biomethane conference to explore future of sector in Ireland
As Ireland marks nearly one year since the launch of its National Biomethane Strategy, the country is gearing up for a landmark event that will bring the biomethane community together like never before. Biomethane Day Ireland, taking place in Dublin on June 25, is set to be the premier gathering for stakeholders across energy, agriculture, and sustainability. Nephin Renewable Gas with AB Energy are the two major sponsors, with many more sponsors lined up for this one-day conference organised by the Biomethane RNG Channel, the foremost media platform dedicated to developments in this sector across Europe. With Ireland targeting the production of up to 5.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of biomethane annually by 2030—enough to meet 10% of the nation's gas demand—the event comes at a pivotal moment. The strategy also envisions the development of 140 to 200 anaerobic digestion (AD) plants nationwide, making this a critical time to assess progress and chart the path forward. What to expect at Biomethane Day Ireland Expert insights: Hear from leading policymakers, researchers, and industry pioneers. European and Irish perspectives: Explore how Ireland's efforts compare to continental benchmarks. Technology and innovation: Discover the latest advancements in AD and biomethane production. Networking opportunities: Connect with key players in energy, agriculture, and waste management. From feedstock sourcing to ESG strategies, Biomethane Day Ireland will offer a comprehensive look at the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of renewable gas in Ireland. Nephin is delighted to support this important initiative, reinforcing our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. We believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive real change—and Biomethane Day Ireland is the perfect platform to make that happen.
