By Sylvester Phelan, AgriLand.

A recent study conducted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has reportedly revealed that renewable gas from animal manure, grass and food waste could provide more than a quarter of Ireland’s gas needs – if fully utilised.

The study in question found that renewable gas could provide as much as 28% of the overall gas needs by the year 2050.

The use of renewable gas could also cut carbon emissions by two million tonnes annually; this is the annual energy consumption equivalent of 360,000 households.

Meanwhile, the report – which looks at the availability of renewable gas sources and estimates the costs and benefits of expanding the sector – highlights that the use of renewable gas could lead to the creation of 3,000 permanent jobs in the industry.