TD pushes case for ‘untapped’ biogas potential | The Southern Star

Ireland Urged to Develop Strategy on Anaerobic Digestion as Renewable Energy Source

Introduction:

Ireland needs to develop a national strategy on anaerobic digestion as a renewable energy source, according to Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan. Anaerobic digestion involves the breakdown of organic material into biogas and low emissions organic fertiliser. O’Sullivan has introduced legislation in the Dáil proposing the formulation of a national strategy for anaerobic digestion, with applications in agricultural, industrial, and domestic settings.

The Potential of Anaerobic Digestion:

O’Sullivan emphasized that anaerobic digestion is an indigenous form of renewable energy that Ireland should be utilizing to its full potential. As the country struggles to transition away from fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change, anaerobic digestion offers an opportunity for sectors like agriculture to reduce emissions. O’Sullivan highlighted the example of a medium-sized anaerobic digester in Timoleague, which converts 35,000 tonnes of waste material into renewable gas, generating 500kWh of energy. This amount of energy is sufficient to power 1,000 homes. Scaling up anaerobic digestion could lead to significant emissions reductions in Ireland.

International Comparison:

O’Sullivan pointed out that while anaerobic digestion technology has been well developed internationally, Ireland lags behind. Germany, for instance, has 10,000 anaerobic digesters, whereas Ireland has less than 15. This discrepancy highlights the need for Ireland to catch up and embrace anaerobic digestion as a sustainable energy solution.

Conclusion:

Deputy O’Sullivan, who serves as the party spokesperson on climate action, biodiversity, and environment, stressed the importance of formulating a national strategy on anaerobic digestion. By harnessing the potential of this renewable energy source, Ireland can make significant progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in terms of combating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture and industry.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The article discusses the potential of anaerobic digestion as a renewable energy source. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article mentions that anaerobic digestion can contribute to emissions reductions and help combat climate change. This relates to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The article highlights the conversion of organic material into biogas and organic fertilizer through anaerobic digestion. This is relevant to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

The article emphasizes the potential of anaerobic digestion as an indigenous form of renewable energy that should be utilized to its full potential.

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article calls for the formulation of a national strategy for anaerobic digestion, indicating the need to integrate this renewable energy source into national policies and strategies.

Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land, and soil

While not explicitly mentioned in the article, anaerobic digestion can contribute to combating desertification and restoring degraded land by converting organic waste into organic fertilizer, which can improve soil quality.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Percentage of energy generated from renewable sources: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 7.2 by assessing the share of energy derived from anaerobic digestion compared to other renewable sources.

– Number of anaerobic digesters implemented: This indicator can measure progress towards all three targets by tracking the adoption and implementation of anaerobic digestion systems in agricultural, industrial, and domestic settings.

– Amount of organic material converted into biogas and organic fertilizer: This indicator can measure progress towards Target 15.3 by quantifying the volume of organic waste processed through anaerobic digestion and its subsequent conversion into biogas and organic fertilizer.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: southernstar.ie

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