Unlock opportunities, drive success and shape the future at the ADBA Northern Ireland Conference

Unlocking biogas to energise Northern Ireland’s future

The ADBA Northern Ireland Conference is a must-attend event for anyone in the anaerobic digestion and biogas sector in NI.

Dr Gareth Mottram, Policy Lead, ADBA, explains why…

There has been no new support since the closure of NI RHI; the province has missed out on the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS). The GGSS underpins the majority of the capacity being installed in GB between now and 2030. In Northern Ireland, the impending end to Renewable Obligation Certificates contracts begins from 2031, with 25MWe being retired by 2035, representing a massive slice of the bioelectric capacity in the province. What does this mean for the future of biogas in the province?  

We will hear from Minister Muir, where the AD sector is a key part of the environmental and agricultural strategy for the province. How the
nutrient control of the AD technologies is vital to managing the farm stocking risks that could endanger the economy of Northern Ireland. The Department for the Economy (DfE) estimates that northern Ireland can produce 6TWh of sustainable biomethane, this is more than the Republic of Ireland has set as its target in the biomethane strategy, given that the province represents 6% of the land and 3% of the population of the United Kingdom this is nearly equivalent to the whole UK biomethane production now.  

The governments of the UK and the devolved administrations agree that the future of AD is focussed on biomethane; because of its versatility and efficiency, we’ll hear from key players as to how these play into the Northern Irish context. 

• How does the sector sustain itself and grow? Northern Ireland has a disproportionate feedstock potential compared to likely demand, but biomethane is not as simple as just feedstocks.
• How do we match the potential to investment?
• Where is the regulatory environment going?
• Where can Northern Ireland take advantage of its position and leapfrog others?  

There are a range of solutions that we can look at, starting from local use to creating an export-focussed NI industry. The Republic and GB could form key markets for the biomethane and other co-products from AD in the province. The nature of infrastructure and nutrient management technologies and regulation will be key in defining the future of AD in Northern Ireland.

We will explore all of these areas on the 23rd of September in Belfast; we look forward to seeing you there.  

Join the discussions and network with your peers at the ADBA Northern Ireland Conference. Secure your place but hurry, seats are filling up fast! Register to attend