19 May 2026
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Stream BioEnergy’s project to become Ireland’s largest biomethane plant using mixed food and garden waste
Gas Networks Ireland has signed an agreement with Stream BioEnergy to connect a new €80 million biomethane facility in Little Island, Co. Cork, to the national gas network.
(L-R) Kevin Fitzduff, Managing Director, Stream BioEnergy, Karen Doyle, Head of Business Development, Gas Networks Ireland, Morgan Burke, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Stream BioEnergy
The announcement is due to be made today at the All-Island Bioeconomy Summit at the Johnstown Estate, Co. Meath. Speaking on the news, 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.”
Currently under construction, Stream
The project will be Ireland’s largest biomethane plant using mixed food and garden waste and represents a significant step forward in the country’s transition to renewable energy and circular waste management.
By injecting renewable biomethane directly into the national gas network, the facility will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and artificial fertilisers while supporting Ireland’s decarbonisation ambitions. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, 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 project in Little Island will provide for sustainable management of organic waste, enhance energy security, whilst contributing to our energy transition and decarbonisation targets in a meaningful way.”
The agreement underlines Gas Networks Ireland’s ongoing commitment to working with Ireland’s emerging biomethane producers to deliver cleaner, more secure and more sustainable energy for the country. Stream Bioenergy’s Little Island facility is the seventh biomethane production plant to be contracted to connect to the national gas network in the last three years with further contracts currently at an advanced stage of discussion.
About Gas Networks Ireland
Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €3bn, 14,758km national gas network, which is considered one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in Europe.
Over 720,000 Irish homes and businesses trust Ireland’s gas network to provide efficient and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, manufacturing and transport needs.
The gas network is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 30% of Ireland’s total energy and almost 50% of the country’s electricity generation.
Gas Networks Ireland is aiming to deliver a repurposed, resized and fully decarbonised gas network by 2045. Its “Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network” envisions transforming the existing gas network into two separate systems carrying 100% renewable gas, one dedicated to biomethane and the other to green hydrogen, with the potential to carry approximately 30% biomethane and 70% green hydrogen, as well as offering significant long term energy export opportunities.
About Stream BioEnergy
Established in 2009, Stream BioEnergy is a developer, owner and operator of anaerobic digestion and renewable gas facilities across Ireland and the UK. It operates and develops infrastructure that converts organic waste into renewable energy and useful by-products, with projects in operation, construction and development across both markets.
The management team comprises individuals with over 20 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector, with a strong track record in delivering and operating anaerobic digestion plants, supported by established operational systems and experience across the full lifecycle of AD projects. The company currently employs over 60 people, with this expected to grow as projects within its development pipeline (including Little Island) are delivered.
Across its operational assets and development pipeline, the company is progressing projects representing c. 450 GWh of renewable energy capacity across Ireland and the UK, with projects in operation, construction and development. These are based on the conversion of waste and residual materials into renewable energy and useful by-products, positioning it as a leading player in the biomethane sector.