A roadmap for the introduction of gaseous transport fuel: A case study for renewable natural gas in Ireland

Ireland is heavily dependent on imported transport fuel. The bill in 2008 was 5.9 billion. Because of the significant resources in organic residues and feedstocks there is readily available potential to substitute 8.4% of oil with indigenously produced biomethane, a renewable gaseous transport fuel. This level of oil replacement with biomethane would directly save 500 m a^-1 from imports, provide an injection of 500 m a^-1 into the Irish economy and save a further 22 m a^-1 in the reduced damage cost of traffic-related pollutant. The EU Renewable Energy Directive allows a double credit for biofuels produced from residues or lignocellulosic material. Thus the biomethane industry will allow compliance with the renewable energy supply in transport target of 10% in 2020 and the EU Landfill Directive. Biomethane is predicated on a compressed natural gas (CNG) industry. The grid in Ireland is extensive reaching 40% of all houses. However, development of this industry in Ireland requires strong government commitment. Recommended supports include: policy dictating that all new buses run on gaseous fuel; setting a market penetration target for CNG vehicles; mandation of biomethane as a proportion of gaseous transport fuel, subsidies for biomethane facilities and grid injection.