Economy Minister Dr and Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs Minister have launched a consultation
seeking views on the development of a sustainable biomethane
sector in Northern Ireland.
The Ministers launched the Biomethane Strategy and Policy
Framework consultation while addressing more than 200 renewable
gas stakeholders at the NI Renewable Gas Conference 2026.
Biomethane is a renewable gas that can help decarbonise heat for
homes and businesses. It can also support the agricultural sector
by helping to manage manure and other waste products.
Northern Ireland has a strong potential feedstock base for
biomethane, underpinned by its significant agri-food sector.
Minister Archibald said:
Developed sustainably, biomethane can play an important role in
our future energy mix, supporting investment and jobs, creating
opportunities in rural areas and strengthening our agri-food
sector and wider supply chain.
But any future biomethane sector must work for consumers, support
economic growth and deliver wider environmental benefits. Getting
that balance right will be critical to its long-term success and
has shaped our approach to developing biomethane policy.
Discussing the potential for biomethane to contribute to better
nutrient management and wider environmental outcomes, Minister
Muir said:
"Our established anaerobic digestion sector ensures we are well
placed to benefit from the opportunities afforded by biomethane.
"Any future biomethane sector must be guided by strong
environmental principles. We have seen the impacts of declining
water quality and excess nutrients in our rivers, lakes and
loughs, particularly at Lough Neagh.
"Public confidence will depend on the sector delivering positive
environmental outcomes while avoiding unintended consequences."
The consultation will run from 20 October 2026 to 15 December
2026 and is available at Biomethane Strategy and Policy
Framework - Supporting Energy and Agricultural Resilience,
Nutrient Management and Decarbonisation
Notes to editors:
- Biomethane is a renewable gas predominately produced via the
anaerobic digestion of organic matter in an oxygen free
environment. Biomethane can then be used to replace natural gas
in the gas grid, to produce electricity or as vehicle fuel.
- In 2024, the Department conducted a call for evidence (CfE)
which sought views and information from a range of key
stakeholders to help inform biomethane policy development.
- The Interdepartmental Biomethane Group was established in
2021 to bring together stakeholders from across the biomethane
sector. It was refreshed at the end of 2025 to have a focus on
the development of biomethane policy for consultation. The group
has been chaired by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy
(CASE) and has representation from DfE, DAERA and the Utility
Regulator.
- The consultation publication delivers a commitment in
the Energy
Strategy Action Plan 2026.
