Northern Ireland’s gas distribution network operators Evolve, Kinecx Energy and Phoenix Energy have welcomed the launch of the Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework consultation, urging businesses, farmers, community groups and the wider public to submit views before 15 December.

Announced by the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) at the NI Renewable Gas Conference 2026 hosted by Phoenix Energy, the consultation is the first joint government plan to develop a biomethane industry in Northern Ireland. It sets out proposals on areas including financial support, connections to the gas grid, gas quality standards and nutrient management.

Biomethane is a renewable gas produced locally from farm residues, food waste and other organic materials through anaerobic digestion. It can be injected into the existing gas network and used in the same way as natural gas, meaning consumers and businesses would not need to change their equipment.

In a joint statement, Evolve, Kinecx Energy and Phoenix Energy said: “This consultation marks an important milestone for Northern Ireland and a genuine opportunity to build a thriving, homegrown biomethane sector. It comes at a pivotal time, with last month’s Green Gas Taskforce report underscoring the scale of the prize for our economy and rural communities.

“Biomethane can strengthen our energy security, support homes and businesses in reducing their carbon emissions, while also creating local jobs and generating new income streams. Our collective gas network already serves premises across the region and is ready to carry homegrown renewable gas today. “We warmly welcome the joint approach taken by both departments, and we would encourage any individual or organisation with an interest in these matters to review the proposals and respond before the deadline. The gas networks stand ready to work with government, the Utility Regulator, producers and the farming community to help turn this potential into reality.”

The Green Gas Taskforce recently concluded that building a biomethane sector in Northern Ireland could add £5 billion in Gross Value Added and support 3,000 jobs by 2050. It reported that locally available feedstocks could produce biomethane equivalent to more than two and a half times the gas currently used by homes connected to the Northern Ireland network, yet only about 2.5% of the region’s organic farm waste is presently sent to anaerobic digestion. The analysis also found that 85p of every £1 invested would remain in the local economy, and called for a clear production target, long-term investment certainty, recognition of wider environmental benefits and the removal of regulatory and infrastructure barriers.

As responses are encouraged across the region, Evolve, Kinecx Energy and Phoenix Energy also highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum once the consultation closes. The operators would like to see a final strategy agreed promptly in 2027 to give producers and investors confidence to proceed, a stance echoed by the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee report on the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy, which supports prioritising biomethane measures.

Alongside the consultation, DfE has issued a request for information to inform a business case for an industrial biomethane support scheme. It is seeking input from biomethane producers and businesses interested in using biomethane to demonstrate the level of local supply and demand for renewable gas.

The Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework consultation remains open until 5pm on 15 December 2026, while the request for information closes at 5pm on 19 November 2026. Both are available via the Department for the Economy website.

Pictured (l–r): Paddy Larkin, Mutual Energy; David Butler, Evolve; Kailash Chada, Phoenix Energy; Minister Archibald; Paul Ahern, Gas Networks Ireland; and Niall Martindale, Kinecx.