RGFI warns Government inaction could derail Ireland’s 2030 biomethane target. 

Industry members call for immediate action on the Renewable Heat Obligation, planning and grid connections to unlock investment and protect Ireland’s energy security. 

21 October 2026: Frustration at the pace of Government delivery and its impact on investment dominated a Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI) meeting in Dublin on Monday, where delegates called for urgent action to establish a functioning market for indigenous biomethane.

The RGFI meeting at the Convention Centre Dublin, held during the Global Bioeconomy Summit, brought together European and Irish perspectives on investment, energy, agriculture and the wider bioeconomy.

The meeting heard that Irish competitiveness is being undermined by the prolonged uncertainty and lack of pace over the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO), alongside planning, permitting and connection barriers. This is holding back projects and putting Ireland’s 2030 biomethane ambition at risk.

Delegates called for Government to communicate a clear long-term role for biomethane in Ireland’s energy system: supplying industrial heat for sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as the food and pharma industries,  supporting heavy goods transport and providing fuel for backup electricity generation as renewable electricity expands.

Nick Bennett, CEO of RGFI, said:

“There was considerable frustration in the room. Industry has been waiting years for the Renewable Heat Obligation, yet developers and investors still lack the certainty they need to proceed. With just over four years to 2030, further delay puts delivery of Ireland’s ambition in serious jeopardy.

“Capital support is welcome, but it cannot substitute for a functioning market. Government must provide a clear timetable and escalation for the RHO and explain how the measures being brought forward will deliver the scale of production required.

Marie Donnelly, former Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, highlighted the importance of positioning biomethane within Ireland’s longer-term energy needs, including difficult-to-electrify industrial heat and backup for the electricity system.

“This is also a question of long-term energy security. Ireland has substantial agricultural resources and organic waste streams that can support indigenous energy production. Biomethane has a role in industrial heat, heavy transport and backup electricity generation. That role needs to be clearly recognised in our strategic energy planning, with policies and infrastructure for that investment. Other European countries are developing biomethane as part of their energy, agricultural and industrial strategies. Ireland needs to show the same determination to turn its resources into a secure domestic supply.”

Sean Campbell, Chair of RGFI, said:

“The message from this meeting is clear: Ireland has the resources and the opportunity, but delivery is being held back. There must be clear accountability for bringing government departments, regulators and infrastructure providers together.

“We need workable timelines for approvals and connections, and the resources to implement commitments already made. Every delay prolongs our dependence on imported fossil fuels and postpones investment in the rural economy.”

Dr Anne Marie Henihan, Vice Chair of RGFI, who moderated the discussion, said:

“Public information and community engagement were also recognised as essential in the Government’s own Biomethane Strategy. We need a clear account of progress and a timetable for delivering those commitments in full.”

Delegates identified three immediate priorities:

• Deliver existing commitments: finalise the Renewable Heat Obligation and resource implementation, with clear responsibility, milestones and a credible route to achieving the 2030 ambition.
• Remove project bottlenecks: coordinate planning, permitting and gas grid connections so projects can move from investment decisions to operation.
• Deliver public information and engagement: implement the promised communications measures, explain costs and benefits, address concerns and demonstrate the opportunities for farming, communities and industry.

The National Biomethane Strategy committed to a communications strategy and an online information hub, both originally scheduled for the third quarter of 2024. While an initial government information page has been established, RGFI is seeking clarity on progress towards the wider communications programme and expanded hub.

“People are entitled to clear answers about what biomethane means for their community, their farm and their energy costs. We need an open discussion about local impacts and affordability, alongside the benefits of greater energy security, nutrient recovery and rural investment.

The discussion this week repeatedly returned to accountability. We have strategies and ambition; we now need joined-up delivery, with clear responsibility for making things happen”, said Dr Henihan.

The panel comprised Dr Claire-Lise Speisser of the European Biogas Association, Dónal Ó Céileachair of KPMG, Marie Donnelly, former Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council, Nick Bennett of RGFI and Julian Beatty of Nova Q.

Contributors stressed that the opportunity extends beyond renewable gas. Developing markets for digestates and biogenic carbon dioxide can support nutrient recovery, indigenous fertiliser production and additional revenue streams that strengthen project economics. The discussion also highlighted the importance of rewarding carbon intensity performance and building a sector capable of contributing beyond 2030.

RGFI will draw on the meeting’s recommendations in its engagement with government, legislators and stakeholders.

ENDS