NI gas networks urge responses as biomethane consultation launch welcomed

Northern Ireland’s gas distribution network operators, Evolve, Kinecx Energy and Phoenix Energy, have jointly welcomed the launch of the Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework consultation. Together the group is urging businesses, farmers, communities and members of the public to engage with the process before it closes on 15^th December.

The Department for the Economy and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs launched the consultation at the recent NI Renewable Gas Conference 2026, hosted by Phoenix Energy. In what is a positive step towards a more sustainable energy future, the consultation sets out the first joint government framework for developing a biomethane sector in Northern Ireland, covering key areas including financial support, gas network connections, gas quality and nutrient management.

Biomethane is a renewable gas produced locally from farm residues, food waste and other organic materials through the anaerobic digestion process. It can be transported through the existing gas network and used in the same way as natural gas, meaning homes and businesses do not need to change any of 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 recent Green Gas Taskforce report found that developing Northern Ireland’s biomethane sector could generate £5 billion in Gross Value Added and support 3,000 jobs by 2050. According to the report, local feedstock could produce biomethane equal to more than two and a half times the gas used by homes on the Northern Ireland network. However, only around 2.5% of the region’s organic farm waste currently goes to anaerobic digestion. The report also estimated that 85p of every £1 invested in biomethane stays in the local economy. The Taskforce called for a clear production ambition, long-term investment certainty, recognition of biomethane’s wider environmental value and the removal of regulatory and infrastructure barriers.

As responses to the consultation across Northern Ireland are encouraged, Evolve, Kinecx Energy and Phoenix Energy also stress the importance of maintaining momentum once the process closes. The operators would welcome the final strategy being agreed promptly in 2027 to give producers and investors the confidence to commit, a view echoed in the Assembly’s recently published Public Accounts Committee report on the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy, which supports the prioritisation of biomethane proposals.

Alongside the consultation, the Department for the Economy has issued a request for information to help build its business case for a support scheme for biomethane use in industry. It is seeking views from biomethane producers and from businesses interested in using biomethane, to show the level of supply and demand for locally produced renewable gas.

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