Ground-breaking research into the use of renewable gas at University College Cork's Environmental Research Institute (ERI) received a €0.25m boost for 2012.

The initiative which involves minority funding from Bord Gáis Networks (BGN) will enable the Institute to develop its research beyond the academic sphere and into industry.

The ERI and Bord Gáis have been working together for some time and recently issued a report entitled "The Future of Renewable Gas in Ireland". The report outlined that the potential resource of renewable gas in Ireland is sufficient to provide for 10% of transport fuel or 40% of natural gas used in houses.

"There is no silver bullet when it comes to fuels of the future," said Dr Jerry Murphy, Principle Investigator in Bioenergy and Biofuels at the ERI. "Renewable gas (also called biomethane) has a significant role to play. Detailed research is required into the numerous biomethane feedstocks (algae, grass, household waste, slurries) and the most efficient technology available to convert these feedstocks to renewable gas.

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"A renewable gas laboratory is a requirement for a renewable gas industry. Countries with renewable gas industries such as Germany, The Netherlands, and Switzerland, all have University research laboratories available to industry. This expanded laboratory in the ERI will provide the necessary experimental facilities for this new industry and will provide the necessary knowledge base to help the industry grow.

"We have investigated the sustainability of producing biomethane from a range of feed stocks such as organic waste materials and non food crops. We have shown that biomethane is far superior to first generation liquid biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. Of huge benefit is the fact that the gas can be injected to the natural gas grid and used as a transport fuel in natural gas vehicles (NGV). The gas grid is the distribution system for the fuel, negating the need for on road tankers," he added.

Mr John Barry Managing Director of Bord Gáis Networks said: "We are looking forward to working with the ERI and encourage all interested parties to work together to ensure that biomethane can become a key contributor to meeting Ireland's renewable energy targets."

(CD/GK)