At the start of September, the Northern Ireland Executive published its draft Programme for Government (PfG). In the second part of a short series that will look at what the PfG means for a number of our most important sectors, Confluence Consulting MD Simon Hamilton shares some of his thoughts on what the PfG means for Northern Ireland’s energy sector.
Unlocking Biomethane’s Potential for Northern Ireland
Last week, I was back at Parliament Buildings for an event organised by our five local gas network operators – Evolve, firmus energy, Gas Networks Ireland (UK), Mutual Energy, and Phoenix Energy – which focused on unlocking the potential of biomethane in Northern Ireland.
I know what you might be thinking. An event at Stormont talking about a renewable gas that is, in part, produced using cow manure and silage – the punchlines almost write themselves. But the event was no joke. MLAs, senior Civil Servants and Government officials and other interested stakeholders heard from gas, farming, and business experts about the benefits of biomethane and, interestingly, how developing a thriving biomethane economy in the region aligns perfectly with many of the priorities set out in the Executive’s draft Programme for Government.
Biomethane as a Decarbonisation Solution
Decarbonisation and sustainability permeate the Programme for Government like the letters in a stick of rock. It’s clear that tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions is not just an environmental goal but a strategic economic and social priority for Northern Ireland. The target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with a 48% reduction in emissions by 2030, demands swift action. That’s where renewable technologies like biomethane come in.
Biomethane, produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials like farm manure and silage, offers a ready-made solution to decarbonising large swathes of Northern Ireland’s energy system. It’s a green gas that can be injected directly into existing gas networks, powering homes, businesses, and industries without the need for costly infrastructure changes. In fact, the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy estimates that biomethane could meet up to 80% of Northern Ireland’s current gas demand, reducing CO2 emissions by a staggering 845,000 tonnes per year.
Building Energy Independence with Renewables
The geopolitical tensions of recent years have laid bare the risks of our overreliance on imported fossil fuels. Northern Ireland, like much of the UK and Europe, has felt the impact of energy price shocks driven by global supply chain disruptions. Developing indigenous energy sources, such as biomethane, wind, and solar, could significantly bolster Northern Ireland’s energy independence, shielding us from future market volatility.
Wind energy already plays a critical part in Northern Ireland’s renewable portfolio, with nearly 50% of the region’s electricity now generated from wind. The draft Programme for Government highlights the potential to further expand onshore and offshore wind farms, allowing Northern Ireland to move closer to complete self-sufficiency in renewable energy.
Rural Economic Benefits and Environmental Impact
While biomethane may sound like a niche topic, its benefits reach far beyond the gas industry. In fact, its potential to boost the rural economy is one of its most compelling selling points. The biomethane process not only helps to decouple agricultural output from greenhouse gas emissions but also provides farmers with a potential additional revenue stream and could create 1,500 new jobs, most of them in rural areas.
For large energy users, including manufacturers and agri-food processors, biomethane presents an attractive solution to decarbonising operations. By providing a reliable, low-carbon energy source, it helps energy-intensive industries lower emissions without compromising cost-effectiveness or energy security.
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
Ultimately, the discussion at Stormont reinforced how biomethane, alongside other renewable technologies like wind, solar, and geothermal, could be a linchpin in achieving the Executive’s wider goals. Ministers evidently see the energy issue as an opportunity every bit as much as it is viewed as a challenge, envisioning Northern Ireland as a potential global leader in the green energy transition.
But this ambitious vision will require government, business, and the energy sector to work closely together. For biomethane, that includes policy clarity, targets, and appropriate support. With genuine public-private collaboration, regulatory backing, and clear pathways for investment, Northern Ireland’s future energy sector – powered by biomethane, wind, solar, and geothermal – can be a bright one.