Stream BioEnergy begins construction of €80m biomethane plant at Little Island Cork

Stream BioEnergy has commenced construction of Ireland's largest food and garden waste biomethane plant at Little Island, Co. Cork, with the €80m facility set to become operational in 2027. The project is being built by Swiss engineering firm Kanadevia Inova AG and Coffey Group, one of Ireland's largest construction companies, and will create over 100 construction jobs alongside more than 20 permanent operational roles.

Agriland reported that the plant will process 90,000 tonnes of domestic and commercial food and garden waste annually, delivering more than 80GWh of renewable biomethane to the national gas grid each year. The facility will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

Centrica Energy, in collaboration with Bord Gáis Energy, has signed a long-term offtake and route-to-market agreement with Stream BioEnergy for the plant's output. Gas Networks Ireland will connect the facility to the national gas network.

The plant will produce sustainable biofertilisers by recycling nutrients from food waste, supporting more sustainable farming and food production. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate around €4 million in annual local expenditure.

Kevin Fitzduff, co-founder of Stream BioEnergy, said: "This project will significantly contribute to Ireland's decarbonisation efforts and make the country a more energy secure environment in which to live and conduct business."

Fitzduff called on the Irish government and the European Commission to reach swift agreement on the Renewable Heat Obligation, warning that a recent European Commission opinion could impact Ireland's biomethane and anaerobic digestion sector. He said there was a clear need to ensure only unsubsidised biomethane is eligible for import under the scheme.

Follow the complete details on Stream BioEnergy's €80m Cork biomethane plant.