Ireland has been selected as one of eight European countries to participate in BIOMAPE, a new European Commission-backed project aimed at accelerating the sustainable deployment of biomethane across EU member states.

The BIOMAPE project brings together European partners to address technical, regulatory, market and social barriers to biomethane development.

Its objective is to support member states as biomethane transitions from policy ambition to large-scale delivery, contributing to climate targets, energy security and rural development.

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Kick off

The project was formally launched at a kick-off workshop in Dublin, where European and Irish stakeholders met to exchange experience, review market and policy developments and help shape the next phase of BIOMAPE’s work.

The workshop was hosted by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Eversheds Sutherland and brought together policymakers, project developers and sector experts from partner countries.

Key themes emerging from the workshop included the need for long-term strategies to ensure biomethane plants remain viable beyond initial support schemes, improved market transparency and cross-border learning and streamlined regulatory processes to reduce administrative burdens.

Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening sustainability outcomes through recognition of biogenic CO2 and effective digestate management, establishing consistent certification and regulatory frameworks and addressing public communication and social acceptability through early and locally tailored engagement.

Critical moment

Speaking after the workshop, chief executive of Renewable Gas Forum Ireland PJ McCarthy said the project arrives at a critical point for the sector.

“The BIOMAPE project comes at a critical moment for Ireland and Europe, as biomethane moves from policy ambition to delivery,” he said.

“There was a strong consensus around the need for long-term market signals, transparent pricing and regulatory clarity to unlock investment and deliver sustainable projects at scale, alongside early and effective community engagement to build social licence.

"The insights shared will directly shape BIOMAPE’s next steps and ensure the project responds to the realities on the ground.”

Ireland is entering a pivotal phase of biomethane development, supported by its national biomethane strategy and early demonstration projects. At the same time, countries including Austria and Slovenia are providing experience in areas such as market integration, certification and operational delivery.

Partners

BIOMAPE partners include ISINNOVA – Research Innovation Sustainability (project co-ordinator), the European Biogas Association, AGCS Gas Clearing and Settlement AG, Renewable Gas Forum Ireland, APPB – Associação Portuguesa de Produtores de Bioenergia, UABio, Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije, Nemzeti Biometán-Biogáz Zöldenergia Iparági Egyesület, Udruženje Biogas SRBIJA, ERGaR – European Renewable Gas Registry, and REA – the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology.