Summary: Ministers Darragh O’Brien and Martin Heydon have unveiled the Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter, a cornerstone of Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy. The Charter sets out best practice standards to ensure the country’s emerging biomethane sector develops sustainably, with a target of producing 5.7 terawatt hours (TWh) annually by 2030—equivalent to 10% of Ireland’s current gas demand.
A Milestone for Renewable Energy
The Charter, published on 5 November 2025, represents a key deliverable under the government’s biomethane roadmap. Developed jointly by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, it provides a framework to guide the rollout of an agri-led biomethane industry while safeguarding environmental standards.
The Charter will apply to all biomethane projects in Ireland receiving public support, including those under the forthcoming national anaerobic digestion (AD)/biomethane support scheme.
Commitments and Principles
The document outlines 17 commitments and 8 recommendations across four central principles:
- Digestate Management – ensuring safe and sustainable use of by-products.
- Sustainable Feedstock Production – prioritising environmentally responsible sourcing.
- Plant Design and Operation – embedding high safety and efficiency standards.
- Community and Local Engagement – fostering transparency and public trust.
These measures are designed to minimise risks to land use, water quality, and biodiversity, while ensuring the sector contributes positively to Ireland’s climate goals.
Ministerial Statements
Minister O’Brien emphasised that the Charter is central to ensuring environmental safeguards as Ireland scales up renewable gas production:
“All AD plants must be expected to meet the highest of environmental and industry standards. By following the best practices outlined, operators and farmers can maximise the benefits of anaerobic digestion while minimising its environmental impact.”
Minister Heydon highlighted the agricultural benefits, noting that biomethane offers farmers opportunities to diversify income and reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers through the use of digestate. He described the Charter as “another important milestone” in achieving the 2030 biomethane target.
Strategic Context
The National Biomethane Strategy, published in May 2024, set out 25 key actions to build an indigenous biomethane industry of scale. The Biomethane Implementation Group, chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with support from the Department of Agriculture, oversees delivery of these actions.
Ireland’s 2030 target of 5.7 TWh is considered critical to meeting legally binding climate targets, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, and supporting the wider energy transition.
In short: The publication of the Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter marks a decisive step in Ireland’s renewable energy strategy. By embedding sustainability at the heart of biomethane production, the government aims to balance climate ambition, agricultural opportunity, and environmental protection as it works toward its 2030 energy goals.
Source: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment – Press Release, 5 Nov 2025 gov.ie.
