The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) 25th National Bioenergy conference – Biomethane and biofuel, took place recently at the Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, where a capacity crowd of over 200 delegates heard from a distinguished line up of speakers.
Focus was on the theme ‘Biomethane and Biofuel – Transitioning from Ambition to Delivery.’
Earlier in the year in choosing the conference title, all the indications were that the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) legislation would be published at this stage and be progressing through the Oireachtas and moving from the legislative framework to implementation. A consistent message from delegates at the conference was on the importance of the RHO legislation being published and the obligation rates up to 2030 and beyond being confirmed as quickly as possible, to give investor certainty and to ensure that the funds backing the main biomethane developers in Ireland are actually invested here and not moved elsewhere.
Highlighting the importance of the RHO for biomethane developers and their investors, Seán Finan, CEO of IrBEA, said that the “building block for the development of the Irish biomethane sector are starting to align but we need to see the Renewable Heat Obligation legislation published as a matter of urgency.
“It was very welcome that the opening of the Biomethane capital grants scheme ‘Expression of Interest’ portal was formally announced at our conference by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment officials attending,” he said.
Beyond biomethane, the other key focus of the conference was on the Irish liquid biofuels sector. To contrast with biomethane, the Irish liquid biofuels sector is delivering decarbonised transport solutions through the two flagship IrBEA members and producers in the liquid fuel area, Green Biofuels Ireland in New Ross Co. Wexford and College Group in Nobber Co. Meath.
BIOMETHANE DEVELOPERS ‘DELIVERY FOCUSED’
IrBEA estimates that there are over 30 large scale biomethane projects either in the planning or the appeals process or have successfully navigated the planning process and have either started construction or about to start. Developers are mobilising and delivery focused. GNI has signed connection agreements with a number of projects.
MITCHELSTOWN FACILITY
The opening of the Central Grid Injection (CHI) facility, by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in Mitchelstown recently is another important milestone, it was noted.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Large Industrial and Renewable Gas Sales Manager, Sean Crowley, who spoke at conference about how the gas network operator is supporting the development of Ireland’s renewable gas sector, said that they were “turning ambition into tangible delivery with the opening of our Mitchelstown Central Grid Injection facility – the first in Europe; and connecting biomethane producers Bia Energy and College Group directly to the gas network.”
“Through continued collaboration with producers, customers and industry partners, we are building real momentum behind Ireland’s biomethane sector. We look forward to connecting more biomethane producers directly to the network over the next 12 months.”
Finan concluded, by saying: “Digestion technology to produce biogas and biomethane can be mobilised at all sizes and scales in Ireland – from farm scale production to industrial scale. IrBEA and its biomethane and biofuel members are eager to meaningfully contribute to decarbonisation, emissions reductions, renewable energy targets and energy security. They are ready to take the next steps and transition from ambition to delivery.”
IrBEA acknowledges and thanks this year’s conference sponsors, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) with additional sponsorship received from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Biogest and Fehily Timoney.
