Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its CI Advanced Bioenergy Fund I (CI ABF I), has launched a new partnership to develop, construct and operate biogas plants across Ireland with a primary focus on utilising manure as feedstock.
Greengate Biogas comprises CI ABF I, Atlas Renewables and Energex Partners.
When fully established, Greengate Biogas will produce nearly 1.8TWh per year of biomethane across multiple projects, representing approximately 3.5% of Ireland’s current natural gas demand, CIP said.
This will equate to 30% of Ireland’s 2030 biomethane target established in the recently published biomethane strategy, it added.
The projects will inject biomethane into the grid and recirculate organic fertilizers to farmers contributing to Ireland’s circular economy and green transition.
Manure will be the predominant feedstock – and will be sourced in close collaboration with over 2,000 livestock farmers across the country.
By implementing anaerobic digestion for improved manure management, Greengate Biogas will also help reduce emissions from the agricultural sector and address nitrate challenges.
Andreas F Brandt, partner at CIP, said: “We are excited to enter the Irish bioenergy industry with Greengate Biogas which will make a significant contribution to the green transition, as well as creating local jobs and investments across the agricultural and rural economies.
“Ireland is a key market for CIP, and alongside our existing interests in offshore wind and solar power, we look forward to seeing the growth in biogas make significant contributions to renewable energy production, CO2 abatement and water quality management.
“We look forward to progressing the projects with our local development team and in collaboration with Irish farmers, local authorities and other stakeholders.”