Ireland secures key EU biomethane project as European stakeholders gather in Dublin

Ireland has been selected as one of eight European countries to participate in BIOMAPE, a major new European Commission initiative aimed at accelerating the sustainable deployment of biomethane across the EU.
Ireland is represented on the project by Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI).
BIOMAPE brings together partners from across Europe to tackle the technical, regulatory, market and social barriers that continue to limit biomethane deployment in Member States.
The project was formally launched in Dublin, where leading European and Irish stakeholders convened to exchange experience, review policy and market developments, and help shape the project’s next phase.
The kick-off workshop was hosted by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) in partnership with Eversheds Sutherland. Policymakers, project developers and sector experts from participating countries took part in discussions focused on ensuring BIOMAPE delivers practical, scalable tools that reflect real-world market needs.
These outputs will include mapping tools, technical frameworks and modelling approaches to support decision-making and investment.
A strong emphasis was placed on identifying and addressing the barriers facing biomethane projects on the ground.
Participants highlighted the importance of long-term planning, regulatory efficiency and improved market confidence if biomethane is to scale at pace across Europe.
Key priorities emerging from the workshop included the need to develop long-term strategies that ensure biomethane plants remain viable beyond initial feed-in tariff periods; improve market transparency and cross-border learning to support informed investment decisions; and reduce administrative burdens through more streamlined regulatory processes.
Stakeholders also underlined the importance of strengthening sustainability outcomes by recognising the value of biogenic CO₂ and effective digestate management, supporting consistent certification and regulatory frameworks for biomethane and related bio-products, and addressing public communication and social acceptability through early, clear and locally tailored engagement.
Speaking after the workshop, PJ McCarthy, Chief Executive of Renewable Gas Forum Ireland, said the project arrives at a decisive moment for the sector.
“The BIOMAPE project comes at a critical moment for Ireland and Europe, as biomethane moves from policy ambition to delivery,” he said.
“What we heard in Dublin was a strong consensus around the need for long-term market signals, transparent pricing and regulatory clarity to unlock investment and deliver sustainable projects at scale, alongside early and effective community engagement to build social licence.
"The insights shared will directly shape BIOMAPE’s next steps and ensure the project responds to the realities on the ground.”
Ireland is now entering a pivotal phase in biomethane development, supported by its National Biomethane Strategy and a growing number of demonstration projects.
At the same time, countries such as Austria and Slovenia bring valuable experience in market integration, certification and operational delivery. BIOMAPE will harness this shared expertise to support Member States as they scale biomethane production to meet climate targets, enhance energy security and deliver rural development benefits.