A roadmap for the introduction of gaseous transport fuel: A case study for renewable natural gas in Ireland

Ireland is heavily dependent on imported transport fuel. The bill in 2008 was €5.9 billion. Because of the significant resources in organic residues and feedstocks there is readily available potential to substitute 8.4% of oil with indigenously produced biomethane, a renewable gaseous transport fuel. This level of oil replacement with biomethane would directly save €500 m a−1 from imports, provide an injection of €500 m a−1 into the Irish economy and save a further €22 m a−1 in the reduced damage cost of traffic-related pollutant. The EU Renewable Energy Directive allows a double credit for biofuels produced from residues or lignocellulosic material. Thus the biomethane industry will allow compliance with the renewable energy supply in transport target of 10% in 2020 and the EU Landfill Directive. Biomethane is predicated on a compressed natural gas (CNG) industry. The grid in Ireland is extensive reaching 40% of all houses. However, development of this industry in Ireland requires strong government commitment. Recommended supports include: policy dictating that all new buses run on gaseous fuel; setting a market penetration target for CNG vehicles; mandation of biomethane as a proportion of gaseous transport fuel, subsidies for biomethane facilities and grid injection.