PRESS RELEASE: Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) urges Government to unlock Ireland’s Bioenergy potential in Budget 2027
Press Release – For immediate release
Date: 02nd October 2026
Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) urges Government to unlock Ireland’s Bioenergy potential in Budget 2027
The Irish Bioenergy Association has engaged with public representatives over the last few weeks on its priority items for budget 2027.
IrBEA is calling on the Government to introduce a range of targeted measures in Budget 2027 to support the growth and development of the bioenergy sector in Ireland. IrBEA represents the biomass, biogas/biomethane, liquid biofuel, biochar, wood fuel and energy crops sectors, working to deliver a sustainable renewable energy future. The Association believes that Budget 2027 presents a unique opportunity for the Government to recognise the significant role of bioenergy in addressing Ireland’s climate, energy security, and rural economic challenges.
IrBEA CEO Sean Finan said: “Budget 2027 presents a unique opportunity for Government to recognise the significant role of bioenergy in addressing Ireland’s climate, energy security, and rural economic challenges. Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy globally and has a vital role to play in Ireland’s energy transition. With the right measures in Budget 2027, Ireland can stimulate investment, create rural jobs, displace fossil fuels and deliver meaningful carbon reductions. Other EU countries are far ahead—this Budget is the opportunity for Ireland to catch up.”
Key asks from IrBEA members include:
- Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH): Continued budget provision for the SSRH including provision for an increase in the biomass tariff rates and add support for the replacement of older biomass boilers in commercial and industrial facilities
- Biogas and Biomethane sector mobilisation:
- Urgent introduction of the long-awaited Renewable Heat Obligation and other dedicated supports and measures to develop the sector
- Introduction of the biomethane capital support programme, through ICNF funding. IrBEA calls for a frontloaded grant rate of 50% on the first 5 million euro of investment with a 25% grant on the remaining investment with a maximum grant per project of 10 million euro
- A dedicated ringfenced budget in the biomethane capital support programme for 3-4 million euro to support the construction of up to 15 farm-scale biogas plants. This scale of production can contribute to farm emission reductions and to farm income, while also raising awareness within rural communities of the positive benefits of biogas plants. This scale can act as an enabler of the biomethane sector and garner social acceptance.
- Liquid Biofuels Sector Support: Introduction of a mineral oil tax relief scheme for indigenous liquid biofuel production. This would support energy security and help the growth and development of the Irish liquid biofuel sector
- VAT treatment of wood fuel appliances v’s other renewable options: Currently Heat Pumps have a 9% VAT rate; Solar panel have a 0% VAT rate and Biomass appliances have a 23% VAT rate. IrBEA calls for VAT equalisation across the different technologies and that the VAT rate on biomass appliances be lowered to 9% like Heat Pumps
- Wood Fuel Drying Infrastructure Capital Support Scheme Proposal: Introduction of a capital support scheme for wood fuel producers to assist with the development of wood fuel drying infrastructure to meet the new Air Pollution Act (Solid fuel Regulations) moisture content requirements
- Kerosene fuel measures: Any measures introduced for Kerosene fuels must not disadvantage renewable fuels from a taxation or cost perspective
- Biomass appliances must be eligible in the oil boiler scrappage scheme: Biomass and renewable fuel appliances (pellet and log appliances as well as liquid biofuel appliances) must be eligible appliances in the proposed oil boiler scrappage scheme
- Eco-design Heating Appliances: Extending domestic homr grants to cover the replacement of fossil fuel appliances with biomass stoves, boilers and renewable fuelled appliances
- Training: Dedicated funding for renewable energy training programmes
- Resourcing: Provide for additional staff in departments, state agencies and statutory bodies to implement renewable heating targets, enforce the Air Pollution Act (Solid fuel Regulations) and consider planning appeals.
IrBEA CEO Seán Finan concluded: “Our proposals are practical, cost-effective, and deliverable. Supporting indigenous bioenergy will reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, and provide a fair pathway for farmers, foresters householders, businesses and rural communities to participate in the renewable energy transition.”
IrBEA calls on Government to seize this opportunity and ensure that bioenergy is placed at the centre of Ireland’s renewable energy, climate, and economic policies.
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Seán Finan, IrBEA CEO seanfinan@irbea.org
Notes to Editors:
About the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA)
IrBEA was founded in 1999. Its role is to promote the bioenergy industry and to develop the important sector of solid biomass, liquid biofuels, biogas/biomethane, biochar, energy crops and wood fuels on the island of Ireland. The diverse membership includes farmers and foresters, fuel suppliers, energy development companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, engineers, financiers and tax advisers, legal firms, consultants, planners, research organisations, local authorities, education, and advisory bodies – anyone with an interest in the bioenergy industry. IrBEA is recognised by Government and agencies as the voice of the bioenergy industry. The association’s main objectives are to influence policy makers to promote the development of bioenergy, and to promote the interests of members. Improving public awareness, networking, and information sharing, and liaising with similar interest groups are other key areas of work in promoting bioenergy as an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable energy. Further information on the association is available at www.irbea.org
What is Bioenergy?
Bioenergy can be defined as any form of energy that is derived from living organisms, either plant or animal. It encompasses a wide range of different types and origins. It can take the form of solid, liquid or gaseous fuel and can be used to provide renewable energy across a variety of sectors including heating, electricity generation and transport sectors.
What are the different forms of Bioenergy?
• Solid biofuels and wood fuels: Wood pellet, woodchip, energy crops, firewood and biomass briquettes
• Gaseous Biofuels: Biogas and Biomethane
• Liquid Biofuels: Bioethanol, Biodiesel and HVO













