Biomethane

Biomethane is a carbon-neutral renewable gas made from farm and food waste through a process known as anaerobic digestion. It first began flowing into the gas network in 2019 through the injection point in Cush, Co. Kildare. It can reduce emissions across key sectors of the economy, including those that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise, like transport, agriculture, industry, and power generation, while also supporting the decarbonisation of the agri-food sector.

Decarbonising Ireland's gas network

By gradually replacing natural gas with renewable biomethane, Gas Networks Ireland is working to deliver a net-zero carbon gas network by 2045. The Government’s latest Climate Action Plan sets out a target of reaching 5.7 TWh by 2030 – 10% of the country’s total gas demand. Learn more about the work we are doing below.

National Biomethane Strategy

Biomethane Energy Report

Connecting biomethane producers

Renewable gas certification

Mitchelstown CGI

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin broke ground to officially mark the commencement of construction for the new Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in Mitchelstown. A key initiative of Gas Networks Ireland, this facility represents a €32m investment and is a transformative step in Ireland's transition towards renewable energy, enabling the injection of biomethane into the national gas network.

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Benefits of biomethane

Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture represent over 35% of Ireland's emissions. Biomethane production can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by capturing methane from organic waste (like manure and slurry) that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

As well as reducing on-farm emissions, an indigenous biomethane industry would also provide opportunities for local farmers to diversify their income from the sale of biomethane feedstock used to produce the renewable gas, benefit from a bio-fertiliser that is a by-product of anaerobic digestion and finally, power their operations via renewable gas made from their own waste.

An indigenous biomethane industry is crucial for enhancing the security and diversity of Ireland's energy supply, reducing our reliance on imported energy.

Uses food or farm waste as a resource to create energy, creating social and economic opportunities for local businesses and communities, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.