Currently there are no support schemes for biomethane in Northern Ireland, however the Energy Strategy outlines the importance of renewable gases to successfully meet its climate goals. As part of the Energy Strategy Action Plan, the Department for Economy was to set up a cross-departmental working group on biomethane production.
In 2021, Action Renewables got together with Gas Network Operators (GNOs), Phoenix Energy, Firmus Energy and Evolve. The aim of the collaboration was to produce a scoping study and outline an ambition to support a renewable gas sector and an incentive for injecting biomethane into the gas grid in Northern Ireland, with an initial target of 1.4TWh of gas supply coming from biomethane by 2030. After initial meetings and a procurement process, the team at Sustainable Futures KPMG were tasked to produce the report.
Potential support schemes, such as a Green Gas Support Scheme, Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme, Contracts for Difference Auction Scheme and Support for new AD were all thoroughly investigated. Examples of support schemes in France and Denmark were considered in the report.
Renewable gas can be used to decarbonise a wide range of sectors such as electricity, heat and transport, it is important that it is targeted at the sectors it has the most impact. It is believed the optimal use of biomethane is in thermal decarbonisation, and in particular high temperature industrial processes that have limited options to decarbonise.
Since the launch of the report in late 2022, Action Renewables and the GNOs have taken part in the cross-departmental working group quarterly meetings.
To request a copy of the report please follow link:
KPMG-Renewable Gas Sector – Action Renewables
GAS GRID INJECTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND
The much anticipated direct-to-grid biomethane injection took place in November 2023 at the Granville site near Dungannon and undertaken by the distribution Network Operator Evolve.
Biomethane injection allows the existing gas infrastructure in Northern Ireland to help meet the UK’s decarbonisation targets. Changes to existing household appliances are not required as a result of using biomethane, allowing customers to benefit from this renewable energy without the cost and disruption of replacing existing appliances.
Biomethane is one of the most prominent routes to providing an economical, secure energy supply whilst reaching these targets. By injecting biomethane into the gas grid, you are greatly increasing the efficiency of the energy source by at least 90%, whereas using gas directly for electrical applications harnesses only 30-35% of the available energy. Also, by diverting the waste from landfill, we can prevent methane, a large contributor to greenhouse gases, being released into the atmosphere.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
GNOs have just launched a ‘Request for Information’ and would like to hear from biomethane producers with existing projects, projects in development or projects who may wish to inject into the NI gas network.
To prepare for increased demand to inject biomethane into the network, GNOs are seeking to develop a coordinated infrastructure plan that can accommodate as much biomethane as possible on the network.
Responses in relation to this RFI must be received by 17:00 on Monday 20th May 2024 Responses can be completed via this online survey –https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R3MXHW9
Author: Ian Gordon