'Milestone' first biomethane injection into Northern Ireland's gas grid
Evolve director David Butler; John French, Utility Regulator' Darren Young, Evolve; Peter McClenaghan, Consumer Council NI; and Mary O’Kane, Evolve. Picture: William Cherry/Presseye
The first ever direct-to-grid injection of biomethane on the island of Ireland has taken place in Co Tyrone in what has been described as a "landmark moment" for the decarbonisation of energy.
In an era characterised by increasing environmental concerns and the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, the injection of biomethane into the Northern Ireland gas grid at Dungannon stands as a "ground-breaking milestone", according to Evolve, the gas distribution network operator for the west of Northern Ireland.
Evolve aims to make the network fully renewable by 2028.
The integration of renewable and sustainable energy sources into existing gas grids is identified as a crucial step by policymakers.
Connecting to the gas network to take advantage of the plan to fully decarbonise the gas used in the network is a recommendation in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Path to Net Zero Energy Strategy.
A carbon-neutral renewable gas, biomethane is made from farm and food waste through anaerobic digestion.
Biomethane has already been identified as a pivotal energy source in decarbonisation goals throughout Europe and most countries have now developed a subsidy scheme to support production in the early stages of developing the industry.
The Danish parliament has adopted formal conditions to increase biomethane production to substitute 100% of the Danish gas demand before 2030.
The Irish Government has set a target of expanding the indigenous biomethane sector through anaerobic digestion by 2030, reaching up to 5.7 TWh of biomethane.
Evolve said that utilising biomethane sourced locally from organic materials substantially decreases reliance on external energy sources, thereby helping to ensure a dependable supply.
A study conducted by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy and Invest NI found that Northern Ireland has the potential to produce over 6.12 TWh of biomethane per year, equivalent to more than 82% of the region’s gas distribution network demand in 2021.
Dr Anne Marie Henihan, Renewable Gas Forum Ireland board member and centre director at the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, has called for recognition of the "unique position" of the Irish agri-food sector, in that it is both an enabler/driver and beneficiary of biomethane production.
"It enables the development of biomethane via the provision of sustainable agri-feedstock, and it benefits not only in terms of energy, but also delivering water quality, sustainable bio-fertiliser, community benefits, and rural sustainable employment."
While other industries will also benefit from biomethane, it is important that the "contribution which is unique to Irish agri-food is recognised and supported by Government", Dr Henihan added.
"We believe this differential value should be acknowledged in the National Biomethane Strategy, through intervention and policy changes supportive of a circular bioeconomy model."
