Frequently Asked
Questions
Straightforward answers about biomethane, safety, regulations, and how to get involved.
General Questions
What is biomethane?
Biomethane is a clean, renewable gas made by breaking down organic materials such as animal slurry, grass silage, and food waste in a sealed tank. It works just like natural gas but comes from local, biodegradable sources rather than fossil fuels.
How is biomethane different from biogas?
Biogas is the raw gas created during anaerobic digestion, containing methane, carbon dioxide, and small impurities. Biomethane is the upgraded form of this gas, where carbon dioxide and impurities are removed. The result is a clean, renewable gas with the same quality as natural gas, ready for use in the gas grid, heating, transport, or electricity.
Is biomethane already used in Ireland?
Biomethane is still at an early stage in Ireland but is already being produced and injected into the gas grid on a small scale. The Government’s National Biomethane Strategy sets out plans for rapid growth, aiming for widespread use across the country in the coming years.
Safety & Environment
Is biomethane production safe for local communities?
Yes. Biomethane plants are widely used across Europe and are designed to meet strict safety and environmental standards. They are carefully regulated and monitored to ensure safe operation and minimal impact on neighbours.
What happens to the waste materials after digestion?
After digestion, the leftover material — called digestate — is nutrient-rich and can be used as a natural fertiliser on farmland. This helps reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and supports sustainable farming.
Does a biomethane plant cause odours or pollution?
When managed properly, biomethane plants are designed to control odours and emissions. Feedstocks are stored and handled in sealed tanks, and the process reduces methane emissions compared to leaving slurry or waste untreated.
Land & Feedstocks
What types of materials can be used as feedstock?
Common feedstocks include animal slurry, grass silage, crop residues, and food waste. These materials are abundant in Ireland and help recycle nutrients back to the soil after digestion.
Can farmers earn income from supplying feedstock?
Yes. Farmers can provide slurry, silage, and other residues to biomethane plants and receive payment, creating a new and stable income stream alongside traditional farming activities.
Will energy crops replace food crops?
No. Biomethane development in Ireland will prioritise farm residues, manures, and grass, not food crops. The aim is to complement food production, not compete with it, while also providing digestate back to farmers as fertiliser.
Planning & Regulation
Do biomethane plants need planning permission?
Yes. Like any significant development, biomethane plants must go through the full planning permission process. This includes environmental assessments and community consultation.
Who regulates the safety and operation of AD plants?
Biomethane plants must comply with Irish and EU safety, environmental, and energy regulations. Local authorities oversee planning and environmental permits, while agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) regulate operations and grid connections.
Are there environmental protections or limits?
Yes. Plants must follow strict environmental standards covering feedstock use, waste management, emissions, and nutrient recycling. These safeguards ensure protection of air, water, soil, and biodiversity, and are enforced through planning and licensing conditions.