Ireland’s push to build a domestic renewable gas industry has taken a major step forward, with biomethane grant payments now starting to reach approved projects. The latest gov.ie update confirms that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is releasing almost €19 million under the 2024 Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme, marking a significant milestone for farmers, energy developers and the wider clean energy transition.
Announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD, the funding is designed to help kick-start new biomethane capacity and support upgrades to existing biogas infrastructure. The scheme is backed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, with support channelled through Public Expenditure, while technical administration was carried out with input from SEAI.
gov.ie confirms biomethane grant payments are now issuing
According to the gov.ie press release, successful applicants under the 2024 scheme are beginning to receive payments this week. The investment covers 20% of eligible capital costs per applicant, up to a maximum of €5 million per project.
Minister Heydon said the payments are intended to provide the capital support needed to get Ireland’s biomethane industry moving at scale. He also highlighted the agricultural benefits, including new income opportunities for farmers and stronger alignment with national renewable energy targets across Agriculture, Climate Action and Transport.
The Government says these funded projects alone could deliver roughly 10% of Ireland’s 2030 biomethane target and produce enough renewable gas to meet the heating needs of about 56,000 homes.
Successful projects awarded funding
- Bia Energy, Co. Dublin — €3,892,812.73
- Brookdale Biogas Ltd, Co. Donegal — €2,985,302.93
- College Proteins Unlimited Company, Co. Meath — €2,412,022.15
- Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises, Co. Kildare — €5,000,000.00
- Glenmore Generation Ltd, Co. Donegal — €840,000.00
- Lisheen Renewable Energy Ltd, Co. Tipperary — €3,564,075.45
- Rockbrook A.D. Ltd, Co. Laois — €276,700.53
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Why biomethane matters for Ireland’s energy and farming future
Biomethane is increasingly seen as a strategic part of Ireland’s energy mix. It can support emissions reduction, improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels. For the farming sector, it also opens up new commercial options through anaerobic digestion and circular economy activity.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD said the grants support Ireland’s target of producing up to 5.7 terawatt-hours of indigenously produced biomethane annually. He said the sector will be important for decarbonising the built environment, industrial processes and parts of the transport system.
This aligns with wider Government priorities across Climate Action, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Finance and Rural and Community Development, while also reflecting how departments and agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners, National Transport Authority (NTA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Enterprise Ireland often intersect with large-scale infrastructure and sustainability policy.
What happens next?
The announcement also points to a much larger second phase of support. A further €200 million has been secured through the National Development Plan process for another round of capital grants for anaerobic digestion plants.
- The next funding scheme is expected to open later in 2026.
- It is due to continue through to 2030.
- The goal is to accelerate delivery of Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy.
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FAQs on the gov.ie biomethane funding announcement
How much funding is being issued now?
Almost €19 million is being paid to successful projects under the 2024 Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme.
Who is funding the scheme?
The current round is supported through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility under REPowerEU and NextGenerationEU, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine leading delivery.
How much can each project receive?
Eligible projects can receive 20% of total capital investment costs, capped at €5 million.
Will there be another round?
Yes. The Government has indicated that up to €200 million will support a second round from later in 2026 through 2030.
Conclusion
The latest gov.ie announcement shows that Ireland’s biomethane plans are moving from strategy into delivery. With grant payments now issuing, the sector has real momentum, and the combination of current support plus a planned €200 million follow-up scheme could make biomethane a central part of Ireland’s cleaner energy future.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
