Summary
This call for evidence seeks information, data and views on a range of issues relating to the development of a sustainable biomethane sector in Northern Ireland.
Documents
- Developing biomethane production in Northern Ireland call for evidence
- Developing biomethane production in NI - privacy notice
- Developing biomethane policy in NI - equality screening
Consultation description
Biomethane, a carbon neutral renewable gas which can be produced locally, could contribute to both decarbonising and growing the Northern Ireland economy. Research has indicated that, due to our large agricultural sector, we have significant biomethane potential. The challenge is to develop an effective policy framework which could unlock the biomethane economy and help the sector to become economically viable without long-term subsidies.
This call for evidence is seeking information on a range of issues, including:
- the potential role for biomethane in the path to net zero energy
- ways of managing the feedstocks required to ensure a sustainable supply for biomethane production
- the economic viability of local biomethane production
- the treatment of costs related to connecting biomethane production sites to the gas network
- any other key issues.
Your responses will help to form a comprehensive evidence base for the development of biomethane policy.
Please note that, at the request of stakeholders, the deadline for response to the call for evidence has been extended by two weeks to 23 August 2024.
Workshops
The department held two stakeholder engagement workshops:
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Thursday 27 June 2024 | Belfast Met e3 Campus, Belfast |
| Monday 29 July 2024 | CAFRE Loughrey Campus, Cookstown |
Response report
This report published on 16 April 2025 presents the findings of the call for evidence which will help inform the development of biomethane policy for Northern Ireland.
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.