Gas Networks Ireland links second biomethane producer this month as Nobber facility targets 75GWh annual output and supports circular economy ambitions
Gas Networks Ireland has connected College Group’s new €30m biomethane facility in Nobber, Co Meath, to the national gas network, marking another step forward for Ireland’s growing renewable gas industry.
The facility, which received €2.4m in Government capital grant support, will produce up to 75 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of biomethane annually by converting food and agri-food by-products into renewable gas through anaerobic digestion.
“The connection of another producer demonstrates that Ireland has the capability to develop, connect and utilise indigenous renewable gas at scale”
The biomethane will be injected into the national gas network while also supplying energy for College Group’s own operations and fleet of bioCNG vehicles.
The connection represents the second direct link between a major biomethane producer and the national gas network this month. Gas Networks Ireland said the project highlights the increasing pace of investment in indigenous renewable gas production and demonstrates how circular economy principles can be applied at industrial scale.
Energy goals
Officially launching the connection, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee, TD, said the project showcased the role Irish businesses can play in supporting climate and energy goals.
“It is fantastic to see a business from my own constituency at the forefront of Ireland’s transition to renewable energy. College Group has been an important part of the Nobber community and economy for more than 35 years and its continued investment in innovation, renewable energy and new technologies demonstrates the contribution that ambitious Irish businesses can make to our national climate and energy goals.
“This facility is a great example of the circular economy in action, taking food and agri-food by-products and transforming them into a valuable source of renewable energy. It is also an important investment in the local economy, supporting jobs and demonstrating that the transition to a lower-carbon economy can deliver real opportunities for communities across Ireland.
“Projects such as this also have an important role to play in strengthening Ireland’s energy security. Producing more of our own renewable energy here in Ireland from resources generated within our own economy, means greater resilience and less reliance on imported energy.”
The new plant forms part of College Group’s broader circular economy park in Nobber, where waste products are converted into renewable fuels and energy. According to the company, the combined activities at the site deliver close to 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ savings each year.
Gas Networks Ireland chief executive David Kelly said the project sends an important signal to potential investors and producers considering entry into the biomethane market.
“This is the second biomethane facility to connect directly to the national gas network this month and is a powerful signal of the momentum now building behind Ireland’s biomethane industry. What makes College Group particularly significant is the circularity of their energy model of converting waste to gas to fuel their facility, as well as entering the national network.
“This is important not just because of the volume of gas being produced at this facility, but because of what it represents for the wider market. The connection of another producer demonstrates that Ireland has the capability to develop, connect and utilise indigenous renewable gas at scale. It sends a strong signal to potential producers and investors that biomethane has a significant place in Ireland’s future energy system.
“Biomethane will help strengthen Ireland’s energy security by providing an indigenous source of renewable gas, while also supporting the decarbonisation of sectors where gas continues to play an important role. Gas Networks Ireland is committed to facilitating the development of the infrastructure needed to enable Ireland’s biomethane sector to grow.”
Founded in 1989, College Group employs more than 150 people and has developed a business model focused on converting agri-food and organic waste streams into lower-carbon products. The new facility processes primarily commercial food waste, together with material generated through the company’s wider operations, producing renewable gas and nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as a biofertiliser.
Transforming food and agri waste into energy
College Group commercial director John Paul Gilroy described the network connection as a significant milestone for the business.
“This is a hugely significant milestone for College Group and for our business in Nobber. We have been operating here for more than 35 years and have always looked at ways of creating value from what would otherwise be considered a waste stream.
“Our new anaerobic digestion facility takes that approach to another level, transforming food and agri-food by-products into renewable gas. Having that gas now connected to the national network is a major achievement for our team and demonstrates what can be achieved through continued investment and innovation.
“What makes this particularly exciting is that we are not only producing renewable energy but also finding ways to use it within our own business, including in our vehicles. It is a great example of how the circular economy can work in practice.
“The plant is also the newest addition to our circular economy park here in Nobber. Across the site, waste products are transformed into renewable fuels and energy, together delivering close to 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ savings every year.
“We are proud to be a local employer and to continue developing new opportunities here while contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions.”
The company has already secured an offtake agreement with Flogas under which biomethane produced at the plant will be used as BioCNG fuel for heavy goods vehicles. The arrangement is intended to support lower-carbon transport solutions for the logistics sector.
Gas Networks Ireland currently has connection agreements with seven biomethane producers. Together, these projects represent almost 13% of Ireland’s target to produce 5.7 terawatt-hours of biomethane annually by 2030.
Image at top: College Group Commercial Director, John Paul Gilroy, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, TD, and Gas Networks Ireland Chief Executive Officer, David Kelly
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