Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Gas Networks Ireland broke ground to officially mark the commencement of construction for the new Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in Mitchelstown, Ireland.
CGI facilities provide injection points for biomethane production sites that may be located remotely from the existing gas network.
A key initiative of Gas Networks Ireland, this facility represents a €32m investment and enables the injection of biomethane into the national gas network.
The Mitchelstown CGI will have the capacity to inject up to 700 GWh of renewable biomethane gas annually, contributing approximately 12% of the Government’s 2030 biomethane target.
The facility will also reduce national CO₂ emissions by an estimated 130,000 tonnes per year, positioning itself as a cornerstone of Ireland’s sustainable energy infrastructure.
In addition, biomethane offers the Irish agriculture sector and farming families the opportunity to diversify and add a new revenue stream, as it is produced through the breakdown of organic material (feedstock).
Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Tánaiste Micheál Martin commented on the significance of Gas Networks Ireland’s investment:
“This project is a significant development in Ireland’s energy infrastructure, enabling the drive towards decarbonisation, supporting both the government’s commitment to achieving its biomethane production targets by 2030 and the country’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“This facility also represents a pivotal opportunity for our agricultural industry. By enabling farmers to diversify into biomethane production, we are opening up new revenue streams that will benefit rural communities and contribute to our broader sustainability goals. The Mitchelstown CGI facility will help us leverage Ireland’s agricultural potential to produce renewable energy, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and drive the transition towards a greener, more resilient economy.”
Construction begins on Gas Networks Ireland’s €32m biomethane facility
