Payments worth almost €19 million have started flowing to successful projects under Ireland's Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme, as the government confirmed a further €200 million has been secured for a second round of capital grants for anaerobic digestion plants.
Seven projects will receive funding under the 2024 scheme, drawn down through the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility: Bia Energy in Dublin, Brookdale Biogas and Glenmore Generation in Donegal, College Proteins in Meath, Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises in Kildare, Lisheen Renewable Energy in Tipperary, and Rockbrook AD in Laois. Each receives 20% of its total capital investment costs, capped at €5 million per project.
Together, the funded projects have the capacity to deliver around 10% of Ireland's 2030 biomethane production target under the Climate Action Plan — equivalent to the heating requirements of 56,000 homes.
"Since the publication of the Biomethane Strategy, the Government has recognised capital support was needed to kick-start the industry, and I am delighted to be able to deliver on this support with these payments," said agriculture minister Martin Heydon, adding that biomethane "represents a pathway for farmers to diversify income streams".
Climate, energy and environment minister Darragh O'Brien said the grants demonstrated the government's commitment to Ireland's target of up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane annually. "Achieving this target will bring substantial benefits across our economy, strengthen our energy security, and support our emissions reduction objectives. Biomethane will play a vital role in the decarbonisation of Ireland's built environment, industrial activities, and transport sector."
O'Brien confirmed the second, €200 million grant programme — secured through the National Development Plan process — is expected to open later in 2026 and run through to 2030.
Ireland begins €19 million biomethane grant payments
