Naturgy becomes Ireland’s first supplier of biomethane to commercial energy users
Naturgy Ireland has become the first shipper in Ireland to supply biomethane to Irish businesses, following the opening of Ireland’s first dedicated renewable gas injection point in Cush, Co. Kildare.
Naturgy has commenced supplying the renewable gas to some of Ireland’s largest companies including Tesco and Diageo, who are both supplying waste used in the production of biomethane to further reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals.
Gas Networks Ireland Managing Director, Denis O’Sullivan, welcomed Naturgy as the first shipper of biomethane in Ireland.
“Naturgy is leading the way as the first company to offer renewable gas to businesses in Ireland via the gas network,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “Ireland has significant untapped renewable gas potential. The network entry point in Cush, Co. Kildare represents the first step to unlocking this potential and progressing our ambition to have a carbon neutral gas network by 2050. Transitioning from natural gas to renewable gas is seamless and one of the ways Gas Networks Ireland and partners like Naturgy can reduce Ireland’s total CO2 emissions across key sectors including electricity, industry, heat, transport and agriculture.”
The Cush facility has the capacity to supply renewable gas to 11,000 homes. Naturgy CEO Liam Faulkner said that the introduction of biomethane into the Irish gas network represents an unprecedented opportunity for businesses in Ireland.
“Naturgy Ireland has seen a huge growth in demand from businesses looking to transition away from fossil fuels. Many large natural gas users now want to procure biomethane in the same manner as they buy green electricity because they recognise the importance of sustainability and moving towards carbon neutrality for their business,’’ Mr Faulkner said.
“The injection of biomethane into the Irish grid for the first time represents an important step towards decarbonising Ireland’s energy use. In the future this can materially reduce the carbon footprint associated with how we heat our homes, fuel our manufacturing and especially how we power our heavy transport fleet,’’ he concluded.
Biomethane is a clean, renewable and carbon neutral fuel. It is a sustainable and certified gas that is nearly identical to natural gas and used in the same way. It can immediately replace fossil fuels in electricity, industry, heating, transport and power generation.
Its potential as a renewable fuel for transport, heat and electricity is well-recognised in the EU’s commitment to becoming a highly energy-efficient, low carbon economy. According to a 2016 report published by the European Commission, Ireland has the highest potential for renewable gas production per capita in Europe, due in part to Ireland’s large agricultural sector.