The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has called for swift government action and commitment to protect the biomethane industry in light of recent setbacks.

IrBEA stated that its members are "very concerned" following the publication of the European Commission's opinion on the Irish government's Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) scheme.

The commission's opinion deemed the proposed scheme's additional multiplier for indigenous biomethane, which would have counted every unit of domestically produced biomethane placed on the market as 1.5 units, as "incompatible with internal market rules".

IrBEA CEO Seán Finan noted that association members are now "frustrated, disappointed and worried for the development of the sector" following the denial of this multiplier.

He said: "It is concerning that the opinion seems to suggest that issues were raised about the proposed multiplier at an early stage of engagement between government officials and the European Commission, but the same pathway was progressed and valuable time lost as a result.

"The message from IrBEA biomethane developers and plant operator members is very clear; that 2026 will be a make-or-break year for the Irish biomethane sector and those investing in and developing projects need to see focused government action in response to the latest developments," Finan outlined.

Government action

According to IrBEA, a meeting was convened amongst members of the association following the publication of the commission's opinion.

Based on member feedback and input, IrBEA has set out the following actions for the government to progress as "matters of urgency":

Ensure the RHO legislation is published and progressed through the Oireachtas immediately and without delay: According to the IrBEA, the scheme's multiplier "can be added at a later stage if a solution is found", while certain parameters - such as the buy-out rate, rate of obligation and more - need to be confirmed;
Introduce alternative support to the multiplier to support indigenous biomethane production: IrBEA said support schemes already in operation across Europe, should be adopted "as the European Commission recommended these schemes in its opinion to government";
Confirmation of the government's commitment to the future of the biomethane sector from Minister for Energy, Darragh O'Brien: IrBEA called on the minister to "make a statement to reinforce investor certainty and the billions of funding earmarked for the sector", outlining timelines for RHO legislation delivery, alternative supports and other items;
Direct engagement from Minister O'Brien with the biomethane sector: IrBEA also called for regulatory, policy and system bottlenecks to be addressed by the minister to allow projects to progress.

Finán added that two meetings have been requested between IrBEA and the Department for Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE).

IrBEA's CEO outlined that he intends to meet with Minister O'Brien and DCEE officials separately to discuss and seek clarification on specific matters raised in the European Commission's opinion.