Tánaiste Micheál Martin and state-owned Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) have begun work on a €32 million facility, marking a significant milestone in efforts to increase the use of biomethane, a renewable natural gas produced from farm waste. This development aligns with the broader use of biomethane across Europe, including attempts from various Irish businesses, like Nephin Energy, co-owner of the Corrib field, to make the fuel widely used in Ireland.
GNI’s new plant, located in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, is designed to facilitate the entry of the gas into the national pipeline system. The process involves decomposing farm waste to create biomethane, which can then be transported to sites like the proposed facility in Mitchelstown. Once there, the gas can be injected into existing networks and subsequently delivered to homes and businesses that utilise this fuel source.
A ceremonial groundbreaking event at the Mitchelstown plant was led by Mr Martin and GNI’s CEO, Cathal Marley, this past week. The plant, once fully operational, will be capable of producing 700 giga watt hours of electricity per year. This contributes approximately 12% towards the government’s biomethane usage target.
Investments into this plant total €32 million, a figure Mr Martin considers a noteworthy investment in achieving biomethane goals while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He adds that this plant provides the agricultural industry with a significant opportunity, giving farmers a new way to generate income and bringing substantial benefits to rural areas.
Mr Marley, too, has expressed optimism about the project, noting strong interest in biomethane production when GNI sought for prospective producers. However, he emphasises the necessity for supports, including obligations for use and possibly fixed tariffs, to sustain production. “Projects like this in Mitchelstown are critical to advancing our energy transition and delivering clean, renewable energy throughout Ireland,” he has said.