Gas Network Ireland explores potential purchase of 250 GW of biomethane

Gas Network Ireland announced on August 1 via LinkedIn that it had published a prior information notice (PIN) to explore the potential purchase of up to 250 GW of biomethane.

In collaboration with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), Ireland's independent energy and water regulator, GNI aims to gauge the level of interest from producers in supplying biomethane. Following market engagement, GNI will finalise its procurement strategy and decide on the heads of terms. It is anticipated that GNI will contract with multiple parties to supply biomethane, with contracts potentially extending up to 15 years.

“This is an exciting milestone in the process to grow the biomethane sector,” Gas Network Ireland stated. “Building on the momentum from the recent National Biomethane Strategy release, we are reaching out to the market to gauge interest in booking capacity for our Mitchelstown central grid injection facility.”

Ireland's National Biomethane Strategy, introduced in May, outlines policy and regulatory measures and provides a roadmap for developing a scalable biomethane industry.

In April, Gas Network Ireland announced plans to connect Bord na Mona's Edenderry renewable energy complex to the national gas network. This grid connection will integrate natural gas and renewable gas, including biomethane and green hydrogen, into the fuel mix at the County Offaly renewable energy complex.

Ireland aims to produce and deliver up to 5.7 TWh/year of biomethane by 2030.