Ministers launch consultation on future of biomethane in Northern Ireland
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir 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:
- Picture caption - Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir are pictured with the Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework consultation.
- 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.
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