Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir have launched a public consultation on plans to develop a sustainable biomethane sector in Northern Ireland.

Unveiled to more than 200 stakeholders at the NI Renewable Gas Conference 2026, the Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework seeks views on how renewable gas can support decarbonisation, economic growth and environmental improvement.

Biomethane, produced mainly via anaerobic digestion of organic material, can reduce emissions from heating homes and businesses and help the farming sector manage manure and other waste. Officials say Northern Ireland's significant agri-food industry provides a strong feedstock base for the technology.

Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the Economy Minister, said: "Developed sustainably, biomethane can play an important role in our future energy mix, supporting investment and jobs, creating opportunities in rural areas and strengthening our agri-food sector and wider supply chain.

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"But any future biomethane sector must work for consumers, support economic growth and deliver wider environmental benefits. Getting that balance right will be critical to its long-term success and has shaped our approach to developing biomethane policy."

Andrew Muir, the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, said: "Our established anaerobic digestion sector ensures we are well placed to benefit from the opportunities afforded by biomethane.

"Any future biomethane sector must be guided by strong environmental principles. We have seen the impacts of declining water quality and excess nutrients in our rivers, lakes and loughs, particularly at Lough Neagh.

"Public confidence will depend on the sector delivering positive environmental outcomes while avoiding unintended consequences."

The consultation runs from 20 October to 15 December 2026 and is available as "Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework - Supporting Energy and Agricultural Resilience, Nutrient Management and Decarbonisation" on the Department for the Economy website.

It follows a 2024 call for evidence and work by the Interdepartmental Biomethane Group, established in 2021 and refreshed at the end of 2025. Chaired by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE), the group includes representatives from the Department for the Economy (DfE), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Utility Regulator. The publication delivers a commitment in the Energy Strategy Action Plan 2026.