Economy Minister has said biomethane could
provide a locally produced, sustainable and secure renewable
energy source.
The Minister was speaking at the Balmoral show as she launched a
three-month Call for Evidence seeking information and views from
key stakeholders on developing a sustainable biomethane sector.
A renewable gas, biomethane is the purified version of biogas
produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter such as
silage, manure and brown bin waste. Recent research
indicates that this region has significant biomethane potential
due its large agricultural sector.
Minister Hargey said:
“Moving away from fossil fuels is vital in the transition towards
a greener and more sustainable economy. Due to our large
agricultural sector, we have the potential to use biomethane to
support our journey towards net zero. Biomethane can not only
provide a locally produced, sustainable source of energy but also
enhance our energy security of supply.
“This Call for Evidence seeks the insight of key
stakeholders into how biomethane production should develop
locally. Co-design is central to the Economic Vision,
and all responses received will contribute towards the
establishment of an effective policy framework to support the
development of a sustainable biomethane sector.”
Turning to how biomethane can boost the rural economy, Ms Hargey
continued:
“The first injection of locally produced biomethane into
the gas network last November was a welcome development which we
must build upon. Implementing green technologies is often
presented as a cost, but the development of the biomethane sector
here presents significant economic opportunities for the rural
economy in the creation of good jobs, raising productivity and
addressing historical regional imbalances.”
To conclude, the Minister acknowledged the collaborative support
received from Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural
Affairs:
“I thank Minister Muir and his officials for their
support in the development of biomethane policy and management of
feedstocks. Our Departments are closely linked on
the development of a sustainable biomethane
sector and we will continue to work
collaboratively to reduce carbon emissions.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Call for Evidence is seeking information and views on a
range of issues, including:
- the role biomethane should play in the path to net zero;
- how to effectively manage the feedstocks required to produce
biomethane;
- the economic viability of producing biomethane locally; and
- the treatment of costs related to connecting biomethane
production sites to the gas network.
2. The call for evidence is available at https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/biomethane
and will remain open for 12 weeks until 5pm on Friday
9 August 2024.
