Biomethane could solve 47% of Southeast's energy needs and create 240 jobs - Kilkenny Farming

THE South East Energy Agency (SEEA) unveiled a new report at its AGM entitled, The Potential of Renewable Gas and The Development of Bio-CNG in Ireland's Southeast.

The report underscores biomethane as a primary renewable energy source capable of generating up to 47% of the southeast region's energy needs.

It finds that developing a robust biomethane industry could create 240 direct clean energy jobs in the southeast. It positions biomethane as a critical solution for decarbonising transport and achieving our net-zero goals.

 The study by the not-for-profit organisation South East Energy Agency (SEEA) in 2022/23 examined the available and existing resources in the South East to increase Ireland's Biomethane production.

The key findings from the report include

1.           Potential to generate 6.7 TWh of biomethane, enough to meet 47% of the South-East's energy needs, surpassing the national target of 5.7 TWh set out in the National Biomethane Strategy launched on May 28th. 

2.           Developing a robust biomethane industry could create 240 long-term direct clean energy jobs in the energy and agriculture sector in the South-East and support hundreds of additional jobs in planning, development and commissioning . 

3.           A clear opportunity to establish 19 Bio-CNG stations to reduce transport dependency on imported fossil fuels.

4.           The potential for compressed tankered gas delivery of biomethane, enabling SMEs and the public sector to replace traditional oil and gas boilers with biomethane-ready systems.

Paddy Phelan, CEO, South East Energy Agency, said the report highlighted an incredible opportunity to create a self-sufficient energy landscape in Ireland. "It underscores the importance of embracing biomethane and supporting the national renewable electricity acceleration programme in parallel to drive Ireland's sustainable energy ambitions.

"We see two clear pathways for the southeast," he explained, "While Bio-CNG refuelling stations would support heavy goods vehicles in the shift to low-carbon transport, this locally produced green gas solution also provides a direct and affordable way for SMEs and public sector entities to decarbonise their heating systems.

 "By replacing old oil or gas boilers with a new gas boiler commissioned to burn green biomethane, businesses and public sector facilities can immediately cut their carbon emissions as we've seen at Wexford Fire Station and Kilkenny Machinery Yard Depot."

Ireland is currently ranked last on the EU leader board in terms of its overall share of renewable energy usage, at 13%.⁴ To fully realise the potential of biomethane, SEEA has outlined three critical actions the Government must take.

1.     The critical first step is to provide financial-viability operational support for biomethane production rather than meagre 20% capital grant schemes.

2.     A clear, actionable Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme to incentivise the switch to biomethane for heating systems in SMEs and public sector buildings.

3.     The Government must address regulatory obstacles and planning challenges, while also focusing on public perception by highlighting the natural circular economy benefits of biomethane.

Paddy Phelan concluded, "The National Biomethane Strategy is a great start, but to truly achieve our energy goals, the Government must support the operational costs of transitioning to renewable fuels. This is particularly important for the southeast, where we have the potential to exceed the national biomethane target and lead the country in energy independence." For more information on Ireland's biomethane potential, visit the SEEA website, southeastenergy.ie