Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL) and CarbonAMS have announced a significant investment in a new biomethane production facility located in Duleek, County Meath, Ireland. This facility, which is expected to produce 40 GWh of biomethane annually, is part of a broader effort to decarbonize energy-intensive industries and support local agricultural communities.
The project is backed by a long-term offtake agreement with Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca, which will enable the company to transition all its industrial heating needs in Dublin and Athlone to renewable biomethane. This agreement is a vital component of AstraZeneca’s Ambition Zero Carbon initiative, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 98% by 2026 compared to 2015 levels, ultimately striving for net zero by 2045.
The Duleek facility is touted to be the most advanced AI-controlled biomethane production site globally, utilizing cutting-edge technology from rhobot.ai and Siemens. This technology aims to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in biomethane production.
In addition to the investment in the facility, SDCL and CarbonAMS have formed a strategic partnership worth €100 million to expedite the development of additional biomethane projects across Ireland. This collaboration is expected to create a pipeline of projects that will bolster the country’s renewable gas sector and contribute to its decarbonization goals.
Local farmers stand to benefit significantly from this project, as it will source feedstocks from nearby agricultural producers, providing them with an alternative income stream. The facility is projected to create local employment opportunities and produce approximately 45,000 tonnes of biofertilizer annually, while also capturing nearly 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The Duleek facility marks the first of ten planned anaerobic digestion sites by CarbonAMS in Ireland, with a total investment of €200 million earmarked for these projects. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural sustainability and meet national energy targets by 2030.
Jonathan Maxwell, CEO of SDCL, emphasized the importance of this investment in facilitating the transition to cleaner energy solutions for industries. He noted that the collaboration between investors, developers, and corporate entities like Alexion is crucial for driving progress towards net zero emissions.
Richard Kennedy, CEO of CarbonAMS, highlighted the project’s potential to transform the Irish biomethane sector and enhance energy independence while supporting local agriculture. The involvement of local landowners, such as Brugha Duffy, underscores the community benefits associated with the facility, which aims to combine innovation with responsible land use for sustainable development.
As the project moves forward, it represents a significant step in Ireland’s journey towards a greener energy future, aligning with both local agricultural interests and global sustainability goals.
This article was submitted via the World of Renewables press desk.
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