The government has been urged to support the latest developments in the biomethane and biofertiliser industry in Ireland as this would reduce the country’s dependence on imported chemical fertilisers. This comes as Local Power Ltd. has set up an expert project team focused on research in this sector as a means to create long-term sustainable results therein. The renewable energy company says that these products are founded on organic wastes from the agri-food sector and would assist in the country achieving its ‘net zero targets’ in reducing carbon emissions.
Company managing director, Pat Smith says this would lead to the establishment of a sustainable gas supply secured from widely available feedstock sources, while supporting local economies. He claims that “opportunities are developing to work together to deliver secure supplies of local renewable gas to local communities and businesses. A meaningful government support structure is now needed.”
Local Power Ltd. will be partnering with Ixora Energy, BIOGEST and Nereus on this organic fertiliser project and will be using nano-filtration technology on an existing BIOGEST anaerobic digestion plant in the UK. According to Smith the end result would be high quality fertiliser that could easily be used by farmers in grassland and crop production systems. The technology of the biomethane and biofertiliser is that it would contribute to addressing nitrate and phosphate issues.
Smith adds that farmer, industry and government involvement was central to developing this sustainable opportunity.