Press Release: The Irish Bioenergy Association elects Maurice Ryan of Green Belt as its new president

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For Immediate Release:

16/12/2024

The Irish Bioenergy Association elects Maurice Ryan of Green Belt as its new president

The Council of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has elected Maurice Ryan, the business development director at Green Belt as the organisation’s new president. Maurice has served as the association’s vice president and takes over as president from Paddy Phelan, CEO at the Southeast Energy Agency, following his completion of the maximum 5-year term. Paddy will move to the role of company secretary, taking over from Padraic O’Neill who is also stepping down. Ger Crosse, the commercial director at WoodCo Energy takes up the position of IrBEA vice president.

Maurice Ryan, Green Belt and new IrBEA President said: “I am delighted to accept this role, to lead IrBEA and work with the members and wider stakeholder for the betterment, growth and further development of the bioenergy sector in Ireland. With negotiations commenced on a programme for Government, this is a pivotal time for enhanced Government recognition for bioenergy, presenting itself as an opportunity to be embraced. There is also significant potential and role for forestry and timber production as valuable income drivers in rural communities. It is incumbent on the new government to drive the forestry program, to increase the land availability for forestry and woodland development and work towards attaining our climate targets. The solid biomass & wood fuels, biogas & biomethane, biofuel, biochar and energy crop sectors are crucial to help householders and energy users to move away from dependence on fossil fuels to sustainable, locally produced bioenergy sources which will reduce emissions and address energy security while driving rural and economic development.”

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “I would like to congratulate Maurice Ryan on his election as IrBEA president, Ger Crosse as vice president and Paddy Phelan as company secretary. I look forward to working with Maurice, Ger and Paddy in their new roles. On behalf of the members and broader bioenergy sector, I would like to acknowledge the immense and significant contribution that Paddy Phelan has made through his work as IrBEA president over the last 5 years. All involved in IrBEA appreciate the time and efforts that Paddy has put into the role and for being a strong advocate for the bioenergy and the broader renewable energy sector. Warmest thanks and appreciation for our outgoing company secretary Padraic O’Neill, whose steady hand, over many years has ensured the smooth, successful operation and running of the association on behalf of members. On behalf of the membership and the executive team, I extend a sincere gratitude for his works and efforts.”

Finan continued: “Some of the key priorities for IrBEA in 2025 include:

  • Continue to service a growing and expanding membership across all the bioenergy sectors through lobbying, advocacy, knowledge transfer, technical support, communications and training as vital services for the membership.
  • Enhanced policy, support and recognition of solid, liquid and gaseous bioenergy in policy and decarbonisation plans at all levels.
  • Advocate for the development of the Irish biogas/biomethane sector and the policy and market conditions necessary to attract investment to drive the implementation of the biomethane strategy.
  • The introduction of the renewable heat obligation  scheme to drive the market for indigenously produced bioenergy
  • Increased enforcement by local authorities and state agencies of the solid fuel regulations to secure the long-term future of the wood fuel sector in Ireland.
  • Growth and development of the indigenous biofuel and biogas/biomethane production sector in both transport and heat through obligation scheme, other policy measures and supports.
  • Lobby for the introduction of robust measures and action by the Irish Government which address the sustainability and traceability issues with non-EU sourced biofuels and feedstocks which are currently impacting significantly on indigenous biogas and biofuel producers.
  • Monitor development in the area of the carbon dioxide removal framework and carbon farming initiative to ensure biochar and bioenergy are recognised through the evolving policy.
  • Work with state agencies, energy users, partners and key stakeholders for the further growth, support and development of solid biomass as a renewable heating solution for domestic, commercial and industrial energy users through the use of sustainable forest management material and specified biomass.
  • Continue to advocate and promote enhanced research and development activities and the importance of collaboration with and between stakeholders.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

Notes to Editors:

About Maurice Ryan MBA – IrBEA President

Maurice Ryan is the Director of Business Development for Green Belt, Ireland’s largest private forestry management group. Green Belt is your natural environment and forestry management expert. Green Belt provides professional services nationally through a network of foresters. Green Belt can manage your harvest, establishment, replanting and provide a structured plan for your lands and portfolio.

IrBEA welcomes Minister Ryan’s EU intervention on biofuel feedstock sustainability and traceability but must be followed with robust actions and measures

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For Immediate Release:

18/10/2024

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) welcomes the intervention this week by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D. at the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council where he called for concerted EU action to examine imported biofuels which would “help address fraud in the sector and provide a level playing pitch for indigenous biofuel supply across all member states.” Swift and robust Irish and EU action is needed immediately which would prevent fraud, verify sustainability, traceability and help indigenous biofuel production In Ireland and across all member states.

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “We welcome Minister Ryan’s intervention on the issue of biofuel feedstock sustainability and traceability. His intervention at the EU council was immediately supported by Ministers from Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium. This signifies the broader EU concerns relating to this matter. However, this is only a first step and starting point compared to what is needed. IrBEA calls for Minister Ryan’s intervention to be followed by swift and robust actions at  political, policy and regulatory levels in Ireland, across the EU and globally to tackle the issue.  This is needed to ensure a long term and successful future for the Irish biofuels sector which currently contributes to over 90% of the decarbonisation efforts of the transport sector here.”

Issues of sustainability and traceability within the biofuel’s feedstock supply chain beyond the EU’s borders requires a transnational response. The longer we wait for action to be taken the more this is impacting on the credibility of the broader biofuels sector and the viability & legitimacy of businesses in the sector who operate to the highest standards of sustainability and traceability.

Finan continued: “Imports of biofuel feedstocks into the EU with questionable sustainability credentials must be stopped immediately until a full investigation takes place and their sustainability and traceability status verified. Member states like Ireland and the EU commission itself can no longer ignore the issue which needs to be tackled with immediate measures to monitor and regulate the sector. IrBEA members call for Ireland to immediately act to apply a code for better sourcing of biofuel feedstocks. We cannot afford to wait for Brussels to do this. The future and viability of both Irish and EU indigenous liquid and gaseous biofuel production is at risk for as long as the sustainability and traceability issue associated with some non-EU derived feedstocks exist. Addressing this issue will help ensure a level playing field for the indigenous biofuel industry.”

The efforts to develop an Irish biogas/biomethane industry as set out in the recently published biomethane strategy are under threat if this issue is not tackled. Indigenously produced biogases will not be able to compete in the market with liquid fuels derived from feedstock with questionable traceability and sustainability credentials.

Finan concluded: “The strategic threat to the Irish bioliquid and biomethane sectors and risk posed by non-EU biofuel feedstock sustainability is not recognised, understood and acknowledged by many stakeholders here. Hydro Treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) produced from fully traceable and sustainable feedstock and other liquid and gaseous biofuels have a significant part to play in the Irish transport decarbonisation agenda. However, biofuels produced from unsustainable and untraceable non-EU derived feedstock cannot be allowed to enter the market at the expense of and displace other full regulated, legitimate and traceable liquid and gaseous biofuels. These biofuels include biodiesel (FAME), HVO, biogas/biomethane and ethanol produced to the highest standards of sustainability and traceability.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

 

Press Release: IrBEA National Bioenergy Conference discusses policy developments and the support and policy requirements for advancement of the sector

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Pictured at the IrBEA 23rd National Bioenergy Conference 2024 at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin are L to R: Tom Egan, Head of Operations, Bord na Móna Renewable Energy, David Kelly, Director of Customer and Business Development, Gas Networks Ireland, Ossian Smyth, Minister of State Department of Public, Expenditure & Reform and Department of Environment, Climate & Communications, Paddy Phelan, CEO, South East Energy Agency & IrBEA President and Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For immediate Release

10/10/2024

IrBEA: Bioenergy delivering globally, Ireland’s opportunity locally.

IrBEA National Bioenergy Conference discusses policy developments and the support and policy requirements for advancement of the sector

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) 23rd National Bioenergy Conference takes place today (Thursday 10th of October) at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.

The bioenergy energy sectors of solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas/biomethane, wood fuels, energy crops and biochar are growing rapidly across Europe with bioenergy being the largest source of renewable energy at 58.9% (EU Commission). The focus of today’s conference is on the need to action and resource existing Government strategies and the rollout of new and enhanced policies and financial supports to advance the development of the sector.

Speaking at the opening of today’s conference, Paddy Phelan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) President and CEO of the South East Energy Agency said: “The gap between our renewable energy targets and actual delivery is widening which shows the significant opportunity to scale up ambition on the deployment of bioenergy across all the sectors. In the last year, we have had several Government roadmaps and strategies published including the Biomethane Strategy and the Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Heat. What we urgently need now are the supporting policies including legislation, funding and supports which will make these plans a reality and drive the development of the bioenergy supply chain and sector to deliver on this opportunity.”

Paddy Phelan continued: “The European Commission has expressed significant concerns regarding Ireland’s renewable energy target of 43.5% by 2030. There is a growing apprehension that this target is in serious jeopardy. To avert substantial fines for failing to meet binding EU targets, it is imperative that bioenergy plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. The European Commission emphasises the need for immediate and substantial efforts in the bioenergy sector to ensure compliance and support Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future.”

IrBEA welcomes the sponsorship of Gas Networks Ireland for this year’s conference. Gas Networks Ireland, as the gas network operator in Ireland, is a key stakeholder in the mobilisation of the biomethane sector. They are actively engaged in encouraging the development of an indigenous biomethane industry as a way of delivering on its pathway towards achieving net zero, through biomethane and hydrogen in the gas network.

Padraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme Manager at Gas Networks Ireland said: “Gas Networks Ireland is delighted to co-sponsor the IrBEA annual Conference again this year. We have seen big changes since the last year’s conference with the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy. Now the real work begins in implementing the strategy. We hope the whole industry will engage in progressing the implementation of this strategy, not least of which is the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) and the long-awaited operational support for biomethane.” 

IrBEA also acknowledges and thanks Bord na Móna for their sponsorship of the conference. Bord na Móna has plans to further deploy a wide range of renewable energy generation technologies and projects nationwide. Specifically, in bioenergy, they have plans for the development of a biomethane production facility and the use of 100% biomass at Edenderry Power while also exploring the potential and opportunity of bioenergy carbon capture which will be outlined at today’s conference. 

Tom Egan, Head of Operations at Bord na Móna said: “Bord na Móna is continuing to deliver renewable energy generation projects across a range of technologies nationwide and we are delighted to co-sponsor IrBEA’s national bioenergy conference. Today, we are very pleased to present how Edenderry Power in Co. Offaly has completed its transition from Brown to Green. It is fuelled exclusively by 100% biomass, making it the largest generator of renewable dispatchable electricity on the island. Bord na Móna is activating the solid biomass supply chain through the production of renewable electricity, as part of our updated vision for how bioenergy carbon capture can assist in achieving Ireland’s net zero objectives. Bioenergy has huge potential in Ireland and a significant part to play in Ireland’s energy transition to a net zero carbon power system. Bord na Móna is at the forefront of this and driving opportunities locally.”

Bioenergy is uniquely placed in providing a solution to the current challenges which Ireland faces in terms of decarbonisation, emissions reduction and the renewable energy transition.

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Association. We thank Gas Networks Ireland and Bord na Móna for their co-sponsors of the 23rd national bioenergy conference, partnership with the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme and the Interreg NWE Cascade project for this conference. Both sponsors are keenly focused on developing and transmitting clean, renewable energy, along with carbon storage and resource recovery solutions. The reality is that we need all renewable technologies and all renewable fuel options to be deployed as part of a broad renewable energy policy in Ireland. The bioenergy sector is growing strongly across the EU and bioenergy remains the largest source of renewable energy at a European and global level. In Ireland, we have the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) for biomass and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme for liquid and gaseous fuels. For the biomethane/biogas sector, the recently published Biomethane Strategy is a welcome first step, but further policy intervention is required to drive market certainty and the target set out. ”

Seán Finan concluded: ”We are now entering the election cycle and soon to elect a new Dáil. We require the next Government to show real leadership in recognising the bioenergy potential that exists in Ireland. An ongoing operational support for the biogas/biomethane sector to replicate what is available for wind, solar and biomass needs to be prioritised. Promotion of the opportunity to drive and develop an indigenous renewable fuels production market needs stronger focus. The Government needs to work closer with other EU states to tackle sustainability and traceability issues in the liquid fuel sector from non-EU biofuel feedstock sources. They need to recognise the strong potential for solid biomass at all levels for heat decarbonisation and ensure that bioenergy and biochar features strongly as carbon dioxide removal technologies in a future carbon farming framework. All these topics are on our agenda today, where we will further advance the discussion.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

 

 

National Bioenergy Conference – The largest gathering of bioenergy stakeholders in Ireland meet to discuss recent policy developments and the advancement of the sector

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For Immediate Release:

07/10/2024

IrBEA announces final details ahead of the upcoming National Bioenergy Conference

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) 23rd National Bioenergy Conference will take place on Thursday 10th of October at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.

The Bioenergy sectors of solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas/biomethane, wood fuels, energy crops and biochar are uniquely placed in providing a solution to the current challenges which Ireland faces in terms of decarbonisation, emissions reduction and the renewable energy transition. IrBEA looks forward to welcoming a wide and diverse range of stakeholders to this flagship event. At this year’s conference, the focus will be on the need to action and resource existing strategies and the rollout of new policies and supports to advance the development of the sector.

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “We need all renewable technologies and renewable fuels to be deployed as part of a broad renewable energy policy in Ireland. The conference title is ‘Bioenergy delivering globally Ireland’s opportunity locally.’ The bioenergy sector is growing strongly across the EU and bioenergy remains the largest source of renewable energy at a European and global level. In Ireland, we have the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) for biomass and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme for liquid and gaseous fuels. For the biomethane/biogas sector, the recently published Biomethane Strategy is a welcome first step, but further policy intervention is required to drive market certainty and the target set out.”

Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) are the co-sponsors of the 23rd  national bioenergy conference. Bord na Móna has plans to deploy a wide range of renewable energy generation technologies. Specifically, in bioenergy this includes 100% biomass use at Edenderry Power Limited, exploring the potential and opportunity of bioenergy carbon capture in hitting net zero and the development of biomethane production capacity. Gas Networks Ireland is actively engaged in encouraging the development of an indigenous biomethane industry as a way of delivering on its pathway towards achieving net zero.

Finan continued: “We are very pleased that both Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland have agreed to co-sponsor the conference. Both companies are keenly focused on developing and delivering clean, renewable energy, along with carbon storage and resource recovery solutions.”

Some of the highlights at the national bioenergy conference will include:

  • An emphasis on the solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas/biomethane, wood fuels, energy crops and biochar sectors throughout the agenda, with various speakers and experts sharing their insights
  • Perspectives from Minister Smyth on the role of bioenergy in the circular bioeconomy
  • The role of bioenergy in Ireland’s renewable electricity, heat, transport and agricultural policies
  • The views of large energy users on potential for bioenergy deployment
  • Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage and carbon dioxide removals (CDR)
  • Development and overview from Brussels on the solid biomass and biogas/biomethane sectors
  • Update on the biomethane strategy capital grants and the design of the renewable heat obligation (RHO) scheme and biomethane’s role in a decarbonised gas network
  • Delivering the renewable transport policy & the role of liquid and gaseous biofuels
  • Northern Ireland’s biomethane journey within the agriculture policy landscape
  • Decarbonising heat in Ireland and the role of bioenergy
  • The HVO supply chain
  • Biochar – The IrBEA Interreg NW Europe CASCADE project journey

 

Finan concluded:  “All those involved in this year’s conference are active in the promotion and deployment of solid, liquid or gaseous bioenergy. We look forward to welcoming a broad range of delegates to Dún Laoghaire for intensive engagement on many aspects associated with our industry including its potential and opportunity as well as hearing from experts in the sector.”

 

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

Notes to Editors:

About the 23rd  National Bioenergy Conference

Full details of registration for the conference including sponsors, exhibitors , agenda and speakers is available at  www.nationalbioenergyconference.ie

IrBEA welcomes the focus of the EPA air quality report on the need for enforcement of the solid fuel regulations

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Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) Press Release

For Immediate Release

23rd September 2024

The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) and Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) members welcome the recognition in today’s annual EPA Air Quality in Ireland 2023 report, for the need to “target air enforcement activities, including to ensure compliance with the solid fuel regulations.”

Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO said: “Since the inception of the WFQA scheme in 2009, wood fuel supplier members have been required to have domestic wood fuel moisture content under 25%. In 2022, the 25% requirement has become law under the solid fuel regulations. Since the introduction of the regulations, new members have been engaging with the WFQA to fulfil the 25% moisture content legal requirement. This has resulted in a surge in the number of certified wood fuel suppliers, with member coverage now nationwide, supplying a range of wood fuel products.”

Finan continued: “IrBEA has strongly advocated, both pre and post the introduction of the solid fuel regulations, for the need for enhanced enforcement activities by local authorities. Over the last year, significant gaps in enforcement of the regulations have been identified. Large quantities of wet, unlabelled, uncertified and non-compliant wood fuel are still evident on the market across the country.”

Independent research confirms that there is a significant reduction in particulate emissions from the use of dry wood fuels compared to wet wood fuels. The EPA statement today specifically mentions the need for only compliant solid fuel, such as low smoke coal and dried wood, be sold to householders.

Finan concluded: “We support the EPA call for compliant dry wood fuel only, at under 25% moisture content, be sold to householders. Enforcement of the regulations by the local authorities is at the essence of this. Sustainably sourced, dry, certified wood fuels offer homeowners one of the most affordable and prompt means to transition from fossil fuel to renewable fuel without the need for significant investment costs or home modifications and in doing so, helping the environment from an emissions and air quality perspective.”

 

ENDS.

For further information contact Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO on 0874146480 or seanfinan@irbea.org

IrBEA 23rd National Bioenergy Conference – Thursday 10th October 2024

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Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is delighted to welcome Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland as joint sponsors of this year’s event. Taking place on Thursday the 10th of October 2024 at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. The 23rd National Bioenergy Conference promises to be a valuable platform for networking, learning, and advancing Ireland’s clean and renewable energy goals.

Representatives from both sponsors will present the latest developments and innovations that Bord na Móna and Gas Networks Ireland are driving forward in this energy sector.

Key speakers include Gert-Jan Nabuurs, a renowned European expert in forestry and carbon management. The sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including bioenergy’s potential to reduce emissions, the role of biomass and biogas, and exciting opportunities in biochar and wood fuel technologies.

If you would like to know more about who will be speaking, you can view them on the dedicated website here: https://www.nationalbioenergyconference.ie/speakers-2024.html

As Europe accelerates its commitment to sustainable energy, Ireland stands at a pivotal moment to harness the potential of bioenergy and close the gap on its European counterparts. This conference will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, energy users and innovators to explore cutting-edge developments, share best practices, and forge strategic partnerships. IrBEA’s goal is to support and assist Ireland to become a leader in bioenergy, driving economic growth, energy security, emissions reduction and environmental sustainability.

Registration:
https://Nationalbioenergyconference2024.eventbrite.ie

If you would like to have a trade stand at this event contact Teresa O’Brien at teresaobrien@irbea.org

Webinar 45: The Biomethane Strategy – Industry insights, feedback and analysis

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A recording of this webinar can be found here

Topic Overview
The Government have published the biomethane strategy and their plans to mobile the Irish biomethane sector and achieve a 5.7TWh target by 2030. At this webinar, Seán Finan outlined the main elements within the strategy and an expert panel shared their industry insights, feedback and analysis.

Panellists

Policy / Energy Perspective – Paddy Phelan, IrBEA President and CEO Southeast Energy Agency
Biogas Producers / Developers Perspective – Declan Murray, CEO at Biocore Environmental
Funding / Investment Perspective – Cathal Fitzgerald, Co-Founder & Director Le Bruin Private & Chairman of Arigna Fuels
Farming, Farmers Perspective – Paul O’Brien, South Leinster Chairman Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
Technical Perspective – Noel Gavigan, IrBEA Technical Executive

Press Release: IrBEA welcomes the biomethane strategy publication but further market certainty is required to attract investment

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Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) Press Release
For Immediate Release
29th May 2024
 
IrBEA welcomes the biomethane strategy publication but further market certainty is required to attract investment.
 
The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) as the representative voice of the Irish bioenergy industry and biogas/biomethane sectors welcomes the publication of the biomethane strategy but strongly highlights that further market certainty is required from the Government to provide the necessary conditions to attract investment and ensure the long-term viability and financial sustainability of the biomethane sector.  
 
Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO said “The publication of the biomethane strategy is another step forward in the development of the industry in Ireland. The initial feedback from members on the strategy is that further market certainty will be required to attract investment and to make projects fundable and viable. While capital grants and the renewable heat obligation (RHO) are outlined as mechanisms to stimulate a market for biomethane, further details and long-term certainty will be required on these measures to encourage investment.”
 
Finan continued “IrBEA members in their response to the initial consultation on the draft strategy indicated their concerns regarding capital grants driving up development costs and favoured an ongoing operational support mechanism.  It’s disappointing this has not been considered, explored or referenced in the strategy. Ongoing operational support has been the funding mechanism of choice used in many developing and established European biomethane markets including Denmark which is broadly lauded as a best practice example. Given the cost of feedstock and ongoing feeding requirements of a biomethane system, the fundamental question of AD plant economic viability exists. A capital grant alone or with an obligation will not eliminate this viability challenge.”
 
The strategy commits to the introduction of a renewable heat obligation (RHO) in the heat sector in 2024 which will incentivise suppliers of fossil fuels used for heat, to ensure a proportion of the energy they supply is renewable. Until the details of this obligation are finalised it is not possible to determine if it will constitute an adequate market stimulant.
 
Finan commented “We welcome the commitment to introduce the RHO. The RHO introduction has been talked about for years. Why the delay? Why are the main design components not included in the biomethane strategy to give the market confidence that it can deliver. The obligation threshold level, the percentage obligation by 2030, the types of renewable fuels allowed to fulfil the obligation and the buyout rate are all critical components which require particular attention in the design for a successful obligation scheme to deliver. The industry awaits these details to give the certainty that it will deliver as envisaged”.
 
The biomethane strategy correctly identifies that one of the by-products of anaerobic digestion is digestate, which can serve as an alternative to chemical fertilisers, thus reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers in agriculture.
 
Finan commented “Digestate presents a considerable opportunity for Ireland. However, the strategy fails to acknowledge in either the text or actions to deliver, the regulatory challenge posed by the Nitrates Directive and the 170kg/N/Hectare limit in replacing inorganic chemical fertiliser with organic digestate despite this issue being flagged in our consultation response on behalf of members.”
 
Other IrBEA feedback on the biomethane strategy includes:
 

  • The strategy does not identify the strategic risks associated with imported fuels including biomethane (fuel or certificates) or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)  and its traceability, as a cheaper drop in fuel, on the development of the Irish biomethane industry.
  • Minister Ryan’s statement in his foreword suggests a considerable reduction in gas usage by the mid-2030s, “as we shift our economy away from gas in favour of electrification”. The substantial reduction in dependence is unrealistic given the dependence of the energy system on gas and the need to balance growing intermittent electricity generation by wind and solar with dispatchable generation. Domestic and industrial heating will, through inertia, not deliver the considerable gas dependence reduction suggested with current policy.
  • IrBEA welcomes the strategies recognition that different sizes and scales of AD plant will be required in Ireland to deliver the target including a mix of Scenario 1 ‘Widespread Deployment’ (farm scale) and Scenario 3 ‘Economic Deployment’ (large scale).
  • IrBEA welcomes the recognition of existing Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants currently operating to produce biogas and that they will be eligible for capital support to upgrade their facilities to produce biomethane and other biobased products, along with new AD plants.
  • IrBEA welcomes the opportunity and potential for biogas transported directly to users and that the Biomethane Implementation Group, GNI and SEAI will determine the best method for certifying this biomethane that is directly transported to end users from biomethane developments.
  • IrBEA states that the Biomethane Sustainability Charter must be developed by active and meaningful engagement through meetings and structured dialogue with the industry and not just an online consultation without engagement.
  • IrBEA is concerned that the industry or their representatives are not recognised as a stakeholder in any of the measures for delivering the National Biomethane Strategy. How will industry feed into the implementation group, the biomethane charter or any of the other actions? How will the Biomethane Implementation Group interact with industry (plant operators and developers) and IrBEA as their representative body?

Finan concluded “The strategy is another step toward the mobilisation of the biomethane industry. We must move quickly towards implementation to deliver on the ambition and targets set out by the Government.”

ENDS.
For further information contact Seán Finan  at seanfinan@irbea.org or 0874146480

Notes to editors
IrBEA Webinar No 45 on the biomethane strategy
The Irish Bioenergy Association will hold webinar No 45 as part of the bioenergy webinar series on Wednesday the 5th of June 2024 at 9:30am. The title of this webinar will be “The Biomethane Strategy – Industry insights, feedback and analysis”
At this webinar, the main elements within the strategy will be outlined and an expert panel will share their industry insights, feedback and analysis on the strategy. The webinar will be hosted by Seán Finan IrBEA CEO who will be joined by a panel of industry experts. Speakers details will be confirmed in the coming days. 
Register for the webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bRYrJyfLQ5GK87MsDxfGCg

Webinar 45: The Biomethane Strategy – Industry Insights, feedback and analysis

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Dear IrBEA members and colleagues,The Government have published the biomethane strategy and their plans to mobile the Irish biomethane sector and achieve a 5.7TWh target by 2030. At this webinar, we will outline the main elements within the strategy and an expert panel will share their industry insights, feedback and analysis. The webinar will be hosted by Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO.
He will be joined by a panel of industry experts and stakeholders. Speakers will be confirmed in the coming days.

Register in advance for this free webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bRYrJyfLQ5GK87MsDxfGCg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.