RGFI welcomes Ireland’s Biomethane Charter and commits to supporting delivery through new three-year industry programme

Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI) has welcomed the publication of Ireland’s Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter, describing it as a landmark step for the sector — and one that RGFI will actively support through a new policy engagement and communications programme for its industry members.

“This Charter — which RGFI contributed to in collaboration with Government — sets the right foundation, combining ambition with accountability in an already highly regulated industry,” said PJ McCarthy, CEO of RGFI.

“It is designed to ensure that Ireland’s biomethane growth is sustainable for the long term, embedding environmental integrity, sustainable feedstock use and community engagement. These principles have guided RGFI’s work from the beginning, as we were tasked by members to develop an industry that supports the decarbonisation of  Irish energy and food production while sustaining farming and rural livelihoods.”

Mr McCarthy added that while the Charter provides a strong framework, effective delivery will depend on education, alignment across existing regulatory frameworks, policy and legislation, and active member support.

“To ensure the Charter’s principles are put into practice, RGFI will implement a three-year programme of communications and policy engagement to support our members — embedding sustainability, circularity and community partnership into every stage of industry development,” he said.

The Charter closely reflects RGFI’s long-standing vision for a farmer-centred, circular and high-integrity renewable gas sector, supporting Ireland’s national target to produce up to 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030.

As part of its strategy review, RGFI is to roll out a comprehensive programme to support the Charter’s implementation and the wider delivery of the National Biomethane Strategy. This will include:

• Communications and knowledge-sharing to promote understanding of the Charter’s principles and benefits;
• Readiness and capacity-building to help members and partners meet the new standards;
• Policy engagement to ensure joined-up delivery across government and industry; and
• Member support to facilitate best practice, certification, and community partnerships.

“The Charter provides a framework for a credible, high-integrity biomethane industry,” McCarthy concluded. “RGFI looks forward to continuing our work  with Government, industry and agricultural partners to bring these principles to life — ensuring that biomethane delivers genuine environmental and economic value for Ireland.”