IrBEA calls for pilot scheme for 15 farm-scale biogas plants 

One such measure would see the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine introduce a €2-3m pilot scheme 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, IrBEA said.
Representing the biomass, biogas, biofuel, biochar, wood fuel and energy crops sectors, IrBEA said there is an opportunity for Government to recognise bioenergy’s role in addressing Ireland’s climate, energy security, and rural economic challenges.
IrBEA CEO, Sean Finan described bioenergy as the largest source of renewable energy globally and said it had a vital role to play in Ireland’s energy transition. He is adamant that, with the correct support measures, the Government can stimulate investment, create rural jobs, displace fossil fuels, and deliver meaningful carbon reductions. He also noted that other countries are further ahead in terms of bioenergy development and Ireland needs to play catch-up quickly.
The key requests from IrBEA include a Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) extending it to the emissions trading system (ETS) sector, along with the removal of the 1MW cap. Support for the replacement of older biomass boilers is another IrBEA proposal. Planned increases in carbon tax should also be maintained with revenues earmarked to support bioenergy and biomethane developments, it says. And the long-awaited renewable heat obligation must be introduced without delay, with other dedicated supports and measures to develop the sector.
The extended list of actions requested by IrBEA include: fair treatment of biomass equipment in line with other mobile machinery in terms of road taxation, and the use of marked gas oil; €3m in capital grants should be available to help wood fuel producers meet new Air Pollution Act moisture content requirements; support for eco-design heating appliances, with domestic grants covering the replacement of fossil-fuel appliances with biomass stoves and boilers; low-cost Government-backed loans to assist bioenergy companies support forestry owners affected by storm damage; and dedicated funding for renewable energy training programmes.