Ireland is working to decarbonise its energy system while increasing energy security and reducing dependence on imported natural gas. In this context, the agricultural sector – a major source of greenhouse gas emissions – is under pressure to manage organic waste more sustainably. At the same time, the country is aiming to scale up domestic biomethane production to meet its 2030 target of 5.7 TWh. This creates a need for integrated solutions that reduce emissions, support rural development, and deliver renewable energy.

A proposed biomethane plant in County Carlow aims to address several of these challenges simultaneously. The facility will process up to 700,000 tonnes of agricultural residues annually, including cattle and pig slurry, poultry manure, and straw-based manure. Through anaerobic digestion, these residues will be converted into biomethane, biogenic CO₂, and nutrient-rich fertiliser. The biomethane produced will contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy mix, with an annual output of approximately 250 GWh – equivalent to the yearly heat demand of 22,700 homes.

The project will also create a circular economy model by returning degassed digestate to farmland, improving manure management practices and nutrient recycling. This not only reduces methane emissions from open slurry storage but also enhances soil health and long-term agricultural sustainability. In addition to biomethane, the plant is designed to capture around 30,000 tonnes of biogenic CO₂ per year, with further options being explored for its storage or use in industrial applications.

Once operational, the plant will represent a significant investment in local energy infrastructure and could deliver around 4 percent of Ireland’s 2030 biomethane production target. It aligns with national goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan and supports County Carlow’s climate objectives for 2028. The project is expected to generate more than 100 construction jobs and provide long-term employment opportunities in the region.

The plant’s design is based on best available technologies, with a planning application expected to be submitted in the third quarter of 2025. In addition to reducing emissions from the agricultural sector, the project supports Ireland’s broader transition to a low-carbon, circular economy by combining renewable energy production with improved waste management and rural development.