The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has called on the government to take urgent action to support the country's biomethane sector after the European Commission ruled that a proposed support mechanism is incompatible with internal market rules.
The Commission's opinion found that an additional multiplier for indigenous biomethane production under Ireland's Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) Scheme cannot proceed as proposed, dealing a significant blow to an industry already awaiting key legislative progress.
Seán Finan, chief executive of IrBEA, said members are frustrated and worried, adding that concerns appear to have been raised about the multiplier at an early stage of engagement between government officials and the Commission, making the loss of time particularly damaging. He warned that the development adds further uncertainty and risks the viability of current and pipeline biomethane projects.
Following a member meeting convened in response to the opinion, IrBEA has set out four demands for immediate government action: passage of RHO legislation through the Oireachtas without delay, even if the multiplier element is deferred; introduction of alternative Commission-approved support mechanisms already in use elsewhere in Europe; a ministerial statement reaffirming commitment to the sector and providing delivery timelines; and direct engagement between the minister and biomethane developers to address regulatory and policy bottlenecks.
Finan said 2026 is a make-or-break year for the Irish biomethane sector and that investors need to see focused government action in response to the setback. IrBEA has requested meetings with Minister O'Brien and officials from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE).
Irish biomethane sector faces ‘make-or-break’ year
