Enviro News Asia, Dublin — Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon announced the publication of the Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter, marking a significant step in developing a sustainable, indigenous biomethane sector in Ireland.
The Charter, a key deliverable under Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy, is designed to ensure that the rollout of an agri-led biomethane industry proceeds responsibly, avoiding any unintended environmental consequences. It complements existing legal and regulatory obligations while outlining best practice guidelines to maximize the benefits of anaerobic digestion technology.
Developed jointly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, the Charter aims to minimize environmental impacts on land use, water quality, and biodiversity, while ensuring high health and safety standards across the biomethane sector.
The Charter was formulated in consultation with key stakeholders and overseen by the Biomethane Implementation Group. It will apply to all biomethane projects developed in Ireland that receive public funding or support under the forthcoming national anaerobic digestion (AD)/biomethane support scheme.
Through this initiative, the Irish Government reaffirms its commitment to advancing a sustainable, homegrown renewable gas industry that contributes to climate goals and supports rural economic development. (*)
