Gas Networks Ireland has signed an agreement with Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises to connect a new €50 million biomethane production plant in Monasterevin, County Kildare, directly to the national gas network.
The landmark anaerobic digestion facility — currently under construction — will convert by-products from Ireland’s distilling industry, including spent grains and other residues, into renewable biomethane gas, supporting Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy.
Once operational, the Evergreen plant will process up to 100,000 tonnes of distilling by-products annually, producing up to 100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable biomethane each year. That’s enough energy to heat more than 8,000 Irish homes, while cutting Ireland’s carbon dioxide emissions by almost 18,500 tonnes annually.
Evergreen’s project is one of several approved under the Government’s €40 million National Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The scheme aims to accelerate biomethane production across Ireland in line with the National Biomethane Strategy and the national target of producing 5.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of indigenous biomethane by 2030.
In addition to generating renewable gas, Evergreen’s facility will feature an on-site greenhouse, using recovered heat and liquid biofertiliser from the anaerobic digestion process to grow vegetables for donation to the local community — a tangible example of the circular economy in action.
Karen Doyle, Head of Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland, said: “Replacing natural gas with biomethane is a vital step in decarbonising Ireland’s energy system. Biomethane is a proven, scalable solution that can immediately reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry, transport and heating.
"We’re proud to partner with Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises on this important project, which not only supports Ireland’s climate and renewable energy targets but also strengthens our energy security by reducing reliance on imported fuels.
"As Ireland’s renewable gas sector accelerates, projects like this one in Monasterevin highlight the enormous potential of biomethane to deliver clean energy, rural jobs and sustainable growth.”
Patrick Meade, Director of Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises, added: “This project represents a major investment in the sustainable management of by-products and renewable energy. By transforming spent grains and agricultural residues into clean, renewable gas, we’re closing the loop and creating real value for the local community.
"Our integrated greenhouse will showcase the full potential of anaerobic digestion — not just as a source of renewable energy, but as a driver of innovation, food security and environmental stewardship.”
Visible from the M7 motorway, the Monasterevin facility will create up to 75 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, with potential for future expansion.
Gas Networks Ireland to connect €50m Kildare biomethane plant to national network
