Gas Networks Ireland has signed a deal with Stream BioEnergy to link a new €80 million biomethane facility in Little Island, Co Cork, to the national gas network.

Announcing the agreement at the All-Island Bioeconomy Summit at the Johnstown Estate, Co Meath, Gas Networks Ireland's Head of Business Development Karen Doyle said: "This agreement with Stream BioEnergy marks another important milestone in the development of Ireland's renewable gas sector. Biomethane has a vital role to play in supporting Ireland's transition to a lower-carbon energy system while also delivering sustainable solutions for organic waste management.

"Connecting facilities such as this to the national gas network demonstrates how existing infrastructure can support Ireland's climate action targets, energy security and circular economy ambitions."

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Now under construction, Stream BioEnergy's Little Island plant is due to begin operations in 2027. It will process around 90,000 tonnes of domestic and commercial food and garden waste each year using anaerobic digestion, generating approximately 80 GWh of renewable biomethane annually — enough to meet the typical heating needs of about 6,000 homes.

The development is set to be Ireland's largest biomethane facility using mixed food and garden waste, marking a notable step in the transition to renewable energy and circular waste management.

By injecting its renewable gas directly into the national grid, the project is expected to cut reliance on fossil fuels and artificial fertilisers and bolster Ireland’s decarbonisation plans. It is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to removing around 17,000 cars from Irish roads.

Morgan Burke, Chief Operating Officer of Stream BioEnergy, added: "Renewable Gas can play a central role in reducing our emissions, and this agreement with Gas Networks Ireland marks a significant milestone for both companies and for the development of Ireland's biomethane sector.

"Our Little Island project will provide for sustainable management of organic waste, enhance energy security, whilst contributing to our energy transition and decarbonisation targets in a meaningful way."