Gas Networks Ireland and CycleØ announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating the integration of biomethane production into Ireland’s gas network.
The MOU formalizes a collaborative effort between Gas Networks Ireland and CycleØ to connect CycleØ’s biomethane plants to the national gas grid. This partnership supports the government’s goal of delivering up to 5.7 TWh of domestically produced biomethane by 2030.
CycleØ has committed to investing €100 million in building four innovative, agri-based biomethane plants in Ireland. These plants will produce a total of 160 GWh of energy, enough to heat approximately 12,000 Irish homes. CycleØ will finance, build, and operate these plants, located in Limerick, Kildare, Cavan, and Galway. Gas Networks Ireland will facilitate the integration of these plants by enabling the direct injection of biomethane into the national grid.
Biomethane is produced from agricultural, food, and industrial waste through anaerobic digestion (AD) and can be used to inject renewable gas into the network or liquefied for use as renewable fuel in road and maritime transport. The AD process also produces digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct that serves as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, improving soil health and helping to reduce the carbon footprint of farms.
Karen Doyle, Head of Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “Partnerships like these are central to our strategy for increasing biomethane injection into the gas network. Biomethane is crucial to Ireland’s energy future, and we’re excited to work with CycleØ as we continue our Pathways to a Net Zero Carbon Network programme, with a goal of having 38% of the gas in the network come from biomethane by 2045.”
James Manley, Ireland Country Manager at CycleØ, noted, “We are committed to the long-term development, ownership, and operation of biogas plants in Ireland. Signing this MOU with Gas Networks Ireland is a key step in scaling up biomethane production in the country.”
Ireland stands out with its potential for biomethane production, being the highest per capita producer of renewable gas in Europe. By utilizing biomethane, Ireland can significantly reduce agricultural emissions and help decarbonize its energy system.
The MOU also outlines Gas Networks Ireland’s commitment to addressing regulatory, access, and consent issues related to connecting these plants to the grid. Gas Networks Ireland will work with CycleØ to streamline the design and safety requirements for grid access and will allocate the necessary resources to ensure the efficient delivery of these grid connection projects.
