Renewed confidence

The RGFI was established as an industry forum in 2014 with a specific focus to represent the supply chain of renewable gas in Ireland. “When we set up the RGFI we realised that having an organisation that represents the full supply chain means that we have an awful lot to offer – we started engaging with various sectors and also engaging with Government, and we saw that there was an opportunity for industry to lead this charge. We employed a strategy that understands and recognises that we are an island nation, which should be utilising our natural resources to focus on biodiversity and the bioeconomy.”

In 2019, RGFI did a full economic assessment for Ireland in line with the public spending code: “That has laid down the foundation for the industry and gave Government an understanding of what can be done with a clear pathway to support the biomethane industry. We have also used that report to engage with large industry players; it offers reassurance that things are happening and what is possible.” Ireland is now recognised by the Government as having the potential to be a major player in biomethane production, using agricultural feedstock on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD), as well as dedicated waste-fed plants.

Last year, Government committed to delivering up to 5.7 Twh of indigenously produced biomethane, a three-fold increase from the Climate Action Plan 2021. This level of ambition is in recognition of the key role that AD-producing biomethane can play in providing a diversification opportunity for farmers, as well as providing a renewable gas supply for gas consumers, including the food and drinks industry and the transport sector. Meanwhile, the Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme is to be implemented by 2024, something that RGFI has sought as the best means of providing a stable and fair way to bridge the funding gap, and which paves the way for industry investment. The Irish Strategic Investment Fund is also going to act as an anchor fund in establishing a dedicated biomethane fund of €200m.

Commercial proposition

Beyond getting Government support, PJ notes that RGFI went a step further to engage with the sector in order to look at the commercial proposition around biomethane: “For the industry to work in Ireland we need to make sure it is competitive. And we need to ask: how does it align to the Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy and the National Biodiversity Plan? How do we stitch all of this together? "With this in mind, we realised that the farmer is central to enabling the development of the industry – at all the stages, the strategy is designed to be farmer-centric.” 

PJ explains that AD biomethane is a complementary discipline to existing farm practices. “If structured correctly, AD biomethane could assist those in the dairy sector, in beef, in tillage – it offers the opportunity to produce more from the land in a sustainable manner. Biomethane also has a very central role in decarbonising our economy.”

Golden opportunity

“We fully acknowledge that not all carbon savings will go toward agriculture but we need it to have a meaningful role in the bioeconomy sphere and, once it is structured and monitored properly, we believe we can create a sustainable bioeconomy industry for rural Ireland. We need to pursue the model and structure that we have identified around carbon farming and stitch all of this together for the farmer on the ground so that they are rewarded economically for the environmental benefits delivered. We can build on the existing good work already being done towards water quality, air quality, biodiversity etc. What we are doing here is going back to Mother Nature, creating a very natural product and creating the opportunity to replenish the soil, to grow more forage, supply this to your AD plant and ultimately focus on the bioeconomy.”

With strong dialogue already in place at EU level, as well as with Government and industry, PJ is confident for the development of this sector: “For Ireland, we have a golden opportunity now. Farming is evolving and focusing on the benefits of a bioeconomy will allow us to deliver on our climate action targets while also rewarding the farmer. We have examined best practice in other regions: the Italians are doing a super job, as well as France and the UK. While we are currently behind them as regards our progress, the timing is right to build on this now. We have mandatory targets to produce bioenergy; we have reviewed the financial structure to support farmers in this but it is up to farmers to come forward and grab the opportunity. We can become a leader here if we work together: collaboration and coordination is key. It is important that everyone understands where the opportunities lie because this will future-proof family farms across the country and everyone has a role to play. It is all up for grabs and it is very exciting.”

So, what should a farmer do who is interested in understanding more about the opportunities here? “They should contact us directly: we have done the research and we can provide the guidance to assist – we are not here to judge or dictate. We want to make sure we are building a robust industry and that everyone understands the opportunities that exist. We represent everyone, from the farmer on the ground to the AD developer, to the suppliers, tech centres and the end consumer. We have strong working relationships with Government and semi-State bodies. 

“For those farmers who have concerns around slurry management and the nitrates derogation, AD biomethane is the simple answer – rather than having to go and chase large swaths of land to rent, lease or buy, farmers can focus on what they do best while ensuring that sustainable food production remains front and centre.”