Ireland opens applications for €40mn biomethane capital grant

Ireland on August 7 announced the opening of applications for a €40mn ($43.7mn) biomethane capital grant aimed at kick-starting the country’s biomethane sector.

Minister for agriculture, food and the marine, Charlie McConalogue, stated that the application window is now open and will remain so until August 30. Successful applicants meeting the scheme's eligibility and selection criteria could receive grant aid covering 20% of their investment, up to a maximum of €5mn.

“The publication of the National Biomethane Strategy has generated significant enthusiasm within the sector. I am committed to maintaining this positive momentum with the launch of this capital support scheme,” McConalogue said.

The department of agriculture, food and the marine (DAFM), with funding secured through the department of public expenditure, NDP delivery and reform, has earmarked €40mn to support the initial development of the biomethane industry in Ireland.

The Irish government has approved the inclusion of a biomethane section in Ireland’s REPowerEU chapter, focusing on scaling up the biomethane industry in the country. This chapter outlines that DAFM is to receive €40mn for a capital grant scheme to support biomethane production plants.

An expression of interest portal was opened in May and closed in July, during which 46 applicants expressed interest in the scheme.

Ireland introduced its National Biomethane Strategy in May, detailing policy and regulatory measures and providing a roadmap to develop a scalable biomethane industry. The country aims to produce and deliver up to 5.7 TWh/year of biomethane by 2030.