European Chemical Industry News & Insights

CycleØ Group to invest €100m in four biomethane plants in Ireland

At a glance
  • €100m investment for four biomethane plants in Kildare, Cavan, Galway, and Limerick.
  • Plants to generate 40 GWh each annually, supporting Ireland's 5.7 TWh biomethane goal by 2030.
  • Innovative ammoniacal nitrate stripping technology used for converting digestate to organic fertilizer.
  • 15-year contracts offered to farmers for waste processing and land use.

Investment Overview

CycleØ Group plans to invest over €100 million in four new biomethane plants in Ireland, targeting sites in Kildare, Cavan, Galway, and Limerick. These plants will contribute to Ireland's goal of producing 5.7 TWh of biomethane by 2030 and align with the EU's target of 35 BCM by 2025. Each plant is expected to generate approximately 40 GWh of biomethane annually, enough to heat over 3,000 homes per year.

Technology and Innovation

The plants will incorporate CycleØ's ammoniacal nitrate stripping technology, which allows the conversion of digestate, a byproduct of biomethane production, into organic fertilizer. This process removes nitrogen from the digestate, enabling farmers to use it as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for crops, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Benefits for Farmers

Farmers participating in the project face no financial risk, as CycleØ will own and operate the plants. They can benefit from long-term contracts, typically 15 years, for supplying waste materials like slurry and manure. Additionally, farmers have the option to sell or lease land for plant construction and purchase the resulting organic fertilizer at a low cost.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The development of these biomethane plants is expected to create new green jobs during both construction and operational phases, supporting rural communities with sustainable employment opportunities. The initiative also addresses waste management challenges and contributes to Ireland's decarbonization efforts, aligning with national and EU environmental goals.