More than 300 delegates from across Ireland’s renewable energy, agriculture and industry sectors gathered yesterday (Wednesday 24 June) for the second annual Biomethane Day in Ireland.
The event highlighted the growing momentum behind biomethane as a key pillar of Ireland’s energy transition and climate ambitions.
The conference, held in Dublin, brought together farmers, project developers, technology providers, contractors, energy providers, major energy users, policy makers, investors and industry experts.
To see some highlights of Biomethane Day 2026, visit Agriland Video below.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, who opened the conference, spoke of the growing recognition of the role of biomethane in enhancing energy security, reducing emissions and supporting rural economic development.
Biomethane concerns
Biomethane Day Ireland 2026 provided a forum for discussion, collaboration and knowledge exchange as Ireland seeks to accelerate the development of a domestic renewable gas industry capable of contributing to national decarbonisation targets.
Delegates participated in a series of expert panel discussions covering:
- Regulation, permits and health and safety standards in biomethane projects;
- Raw materials and environmental performance;
- Technologies driving biomethane production and development;
- Construction and development from the developer’s point of view.
The sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping the future of biomethane in Ireland.
Minister O’Brien said: “Biomethane plays a crucial role in helping Ireland achieve its climate and energy targets.
“As a domestic renewable energy source, it offers great potential to reduce emissions, enhance energy security and create new economic opportunities across the country.
“Biomethane Day Ireland provides an important forum for industry, policy makers, farmers and energy users to come together to share knowledge, showcase innovation and accelerate progress in this vital sector.
“Developing a robust biomethane industry will be critical to providing a cleaner, more resilient energy system while supporting sustainable growth and job creation.”
The Minister explained to the attendees that the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) scheme is expected to be published soon.
This would legally require fossil fuel suppliers to provide a minimum share of renewable energy (starting at 1.5%) to the heating sector.
In a keynote speech later at the conference, Tom O’Brien, CEO of Nevin Energy Group, highlighted the growing confidence emerging across the sector.
“Today’s strong presence reflects the clear desire in Ireland’s biomethane sector to collaborate, invest and deliver,” he said.
“We are now at a pivotal stage in the development of the industry, and events such as Biomethane Day play an important role in bringing stakeholders together to share experiences, build partnerships and accelerate progress.
“The level of engagement we are seeing reflects the scale of the opportunities biomethane presents to farmers, businesses and energy users in Ireland.
“The issue of biomethane in Ireland has never been clearer – it can help solve some of our biggest environmental and energy challenges. What matters now is turning policy into projects and ambition into delivery.”
Biomethane opportunity for farmers and climate
Interest in biomethane continues to grow as Ireland works to meet its renewable energy and emissions reduction targets.
Farmers, developers, investors and industrial energy users are exploring opportunities in this sector.
They want to see the potential of the sector to be a safe, local and sustainable source of renewable energy, while also supporting rural economies and delivering long-term value.
The sector’s growth is being driven by a combination of evolving policy frameworks, rising demand for renewable energy, increasing investor confidence, and a growing portfolio of projects nationwide.
As Ireland seeks practical solutions to decarbonise heat, transport and industry, conference organizers said biomethane is increasingly recognized as one of the most scalable and cost-effective renewable energy options available.
