The South East Energy Agency (SEEA) recently unveiled a report at its AGM titled The Potential of Renewable Gas and The Development of Bio-CNG in Ireland’s Southeast. This report emphasizes the importance of biomethane as a primary renewable energy source for the region.
Key Findings of the Report
Biomethane’s Role in Energy Needs
The report identifies biomethane as a crucial renewable energy source capable of generating up to 47% of the southeast region’s energy requirements. The potential to produce 6.7 TWh of biomethane surpasses the national target of 5.7 TWh set in the National Biomethane Strategy launched on May 28th [1].
Job Creation Opportunities
Developing a robust biomethane industry could lead to the creation of 240 direct clean energy jobs in the energy and agriculture sectors in the Southeast. Additionally, this development is expected to support hundreds of jobs in planning, development, and commissioning [1].
Infrastructure Development
The report highlights the opportunity to establish 19 Bio-CNG stations, which would help reduce the region’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. This infrastructure is essential for promoting the use of biomethane in transportation [1].
Compressed Tankered Gas Delivery
The potential for compressed tankered gas delivery of biomethane enables SMEs and public sector entities to replace traditional oil and gas boilers with biomethane-ready systems, significantly contributing to decarbonization efforts [1].
Insights from SEEA Leadership
CEO Paddy Phelan’s Statement
Paddy Phelan, CEO of SEEA, remarked on the report’s implications for Ireland’s energy landscape:
“It underscores the importance of embracing biomethane and supporting the national renewable electricity acceleration programme in parallel to drive Ireland’s sustainable energy ambitions” [1].
He elaborated on two clear pathways for the southeast:
- Bio-CNG Refuelling Stations: These would support heavy goods vehicles in transitioning to low-carbon transport.
- Decarbonizing Heating Systems: Locally produced green gas provides an affordable solution for SMEs and public sector entities to reduce their carbon footprints [1].
Ireland’s Renewable Energy Landscape
Current Challenges
Ireland is currently ranked last in the EU in terms of renewable energy usage, with only 13% of its energy coming from renewable sources. To fully realize the potential of biomethane, the SEEA outlines three critical actions the government must undertake:
- Financial Viability Support: Provide operational support for biomethane production, moving beyond the current 20% capital grant schemes [1].
- Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme: Implement a clear scheme to incentivize the switch to biomethane for heating systems in SMEs and public sector buildings [1].
- Address Regulatory Obstacles: The government must tackle regulatory challenges, improve public perception, and highlight the benefits of the natural circular economy associated with biomethane [1].
Conclusion
Paddy Phelan concluded that while the National Biomethane Strategy is a promising start, enhanced government support for operational costs is crucial for transitioning to renewable fuels. This support is particularly important for the southeast, where the potential to exceed national biomethane targets could lead to greater energy independence and sustainability for Ireland [1].
Learn more:
- Biomethane could solve 47% of Southeast’s energy needs and create 240 jobs – Kilkenny Farming – Kilkenny Live
- South East Energy Agency on LinkedIn: New Report Reveals Biomethane Could Fulfil 47% of the Southeasts Energy…
