Biomethane facility under construction in Little Island

A new €80 million biomethane facility in Cork is to be connected to the national gas network, it was announced this week.

It comes as Gas Networks Ireland and Stream BioEnergy signed an agreement for its Little Island facility which is currently under construction and is expected to become operational in 2027.

This will process approximately 90,000 tonnes of domestic and commercial food and garden waste annually. Using anaerobic digestion technology, the plant will produce 80 GWh of renewable biomethane each year. That’s enough renewable gas to meet the annual heating demand of approximately 6,000 homes.

Morgan Burke, Chief Operating Officer of Stream BioEnergy, said: “Renewable gas can play a central role in reducing our emissions, and this agreement with Gas Networks Ireland marks a significant milestone for both companies and for the development of Ireland’s biomethane sector.

“Our project in Little Island will provide for sustainable management of organic waste, enhance energy security, whilst contributing to our energy transition and decarbonisation targets in a meaningful way.”

The project will be Ireland’s largest biomethane plant using mixed food and garden waste and represents a significant step forward in the country’s transition to renewable energy and circular waste management.

By injecting renewable biomethane directly into the national gas network, the facility will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and artificial fertilisers.

Gas Networks Ireland’s Head of Business Development Karen Doyle said: “Connecting facilities such as this to the national gas network demonstrates how existing infrastructure can support Ireland’s climate action targets, energy security and circular economy ambitions.”