Plans to process biomethane in Cootehill and supply the gas grid

Cootehill is earmarked for a new processing facility where biomethane will be supplied to the gas network.

Gas Networks Ireland and CycleØ – a builder, owner and operator of biogas plants - today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aims to accelerate the integration of biomethane production into Ireland’s gas network.

The companies aim to connect CycleØ’s biomethane plants to the gas network, and say this will support government targets of the delivery of up to 5.7TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030.

CycleØ have committed to a €100M total investment in four new agri-based biomethane plants in Ireland to produce a total of 160GWh or enough to heat 12,000 Irish homes, that it will equity-finance, build and operate. Gas Networks Ireland will facilitate these connections, enabling the direct injection of biomethane into the grid. CycleØ plans to build and operate these facilities in Cootehill, and others in Kildare, Galway and Limerick.

Biomethane is derived from agri-food and industrial waste produced via anaerobic digestion (AD) and can be used for injection into the gas network or liquefied to produce renewable fuel for road and maritime transport. In addition, the AD process produces digestate, a nutrient-rich and renewable alternative to synthetic fertilisers that helps to improve soil health and reduce the carbon intensity of farms.

Welcoming the joint agreement, Karen Doyle, Head of Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland said: “Biomethane has a major role to play in Ireland’s energy future, and we look forward to working closely with CycleØ as we progress our Pathways to a Net Zero Carbon Network programme and achieve having 38% biomethane flowing through the network by 2045.”

James Manley, Ireland Country Manager at CycleØ said: “We are committed to building, owning and operating biogas plants in Ireland for the long-term. The signing of this MOU with Gas Networks Ireland represents a strategic milestone in achieving that and enabling the scaling of biomethane production within Ireland.”

"Ireland has a unique opportunity with biomethane, a carbon-neutral renewable gas that is produced from farm and food waste through anaerobic digestion. Outlined as having the highest potential for renewable gas biomethane production per capita in Europe, Ireland can use biomethane to reduce agricultural emissions while decarbonising the energy system."

The MoU details Gas Networks Ireland's commitment to addressing regulatory, access and consent issues associated with connecting to the gas grid in an efficient and timely manner. Gas Networks Ireland will also collaborate with CycleØ to standardise, where possible, the design and safety requirements for grid access. Furthermore, Gas Networks Ireland will ensure adequate resourcing of relevant teams to expedite the delivery of these grid connection projects.