Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has announced the the launch of Greengate Biogas in partnership with Atlas Renewables and Energex Partners.
The partnership is part of CIP’s CI Advanced Bioenergy Fund I (CI ABF I).
Under the Greengate Biogas partnership CIP, Atlas Renewables and Energex Partners will join forces to develop, construct and operate biogas plants across Ireland, with a primary focus on utilising manure as feedstock.
CI ABF I, managed by CIP, invests in advanced biofuels, including biomethane.
CI ABF I’s investors include several of the most significant pension companies in the Nordic countries.
Greengate Biogas brings together CI ABF I’s expertise in developing large-scale biomethane plants across Europe and the local development team’s expertise within bioenergy and agricultural practices in Ireland, according to CIP.
When fully established, Greengate Biogas will produce nearly 1.8 TWh per year of biomethane across multiple projects, representing approximately 3.5% of Ireland’s current natural gas demand and 30% of Ireland’s 2030 biomethane target established in the recently published biomethane strategy.
The projects will inject biomethane into the grid and recirculate organic fertilisers to farmers contributing to Ireland’s circular economy and green transition.
Manure will be the predominant feedstock – and will be sourced in close collaboration with over 2,000 livestock farmers across the country.
By implementing anaerobic digestion for improved manure management, Greengate Biogas will also help reduce emissions from the agricultural sector and address nitrate challenges.
Andreas F. Brandt, partner at CIP, said of the new partnership: “We are excited to enter the Irish bioenergy industry with Greengate Biogas which will make a significant contribution to the green transition, as well as creating local jobs and investments across the agricultural and rural economies.
“Ireland is a key market for CIP, and alongside our existing interests in offshore wind and solar power, we look forward to seeing the growth in biogas make significant contributions to renewable energy production, CO2 abatement and water quality management.
“We look forward to progressing the projects with our local development team and in collaboration with Irish farmers, local authorities and other stakeholders.”