Project Overview

Project Title: REGARD - Regional Strategies for Collaborative Anaerobic Digestion and Biorefinery Development in Ireland 

Project Funding: SEAI National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme 

Project Timeframe: August 2026 – July 2030 

Project Description: The anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in Ireland is still in its early stages but is gaining pace, driven by the Climate Action Plan’s target of producing 5.7 TWh of biomethane by 2030. Meeting this ambitious goal could require the development of up to 200 AD plants nationwide. Beyond renewable energy generation, AD contributes to the wider bioeconomy by producing digestate, that can help to reduce the agricultural emissions. However, rolling out AD infrastructure must account for Ireland’s varied agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic conditions. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed. To address this problem, the REGARD project (Regional Strategies for Collaborative Anaerobic Digestion and Biorefinery Development in Ireland) adopts a place-based, multi-actor approach to create regionally tailored, collaborative AD and biorefinery models. REGARD will examine ownership and partnership structures that share risks and benefits among farmers, businesses, and local stakeholders. By integrating data analysis, scenario modelling, and a pilot co-owned AD-biorefinery facility, the project aims to deliver practical, region-specific solutions. Ultimately, REGARD aims to support economic development, environmental sustainability, and Ireland’s transition to a circular, low-carbon economy, ensuring that AD becomes not only an energy solution, but a driver of regional resilience and innovation. 

Project Aim: To accelerate the development of collaborative, regionally tailored anaerobic digestion (AD) and AD-biorefinery infrastructure in Ireland through evidence-based analysis, stakeholder engagement, and innovative co-ownership models aligned with national and EU decarbonisation and rural development objectives. 

Project Objectives:  

• To assess the regional feasibility, socio-economic impacts, and public acceptance of anaerobic digestion (AD) and AD-biorefinery systems across Ireland.  

• To identify and evaluate collaborative co-ownership and cooperative models that support stakeholder engagement and sustainable regional AD development.  

• To develop evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic pathways for regionally tailored AD and biorefinery infrastructure aligned with Ireland’s decarbonisation and rural development goals. 

Further Information

For further information contact Professor Valeria Andreoni VAndreoni@ucc.ie

Collaborators

Collaborators:

Dr. Ciara Beausang - Teagasc

Dr. Beausang is a Research Officer in Anaerobic Digestion with Teagasc - the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. She is currently developing a research programme in the area of agricultural anaerobic digestion. The focus of her research is the sustainability of biogas production from agricultural feedstocks.

Dr. Fiona Thorne - Teagasc

Dr. Thorne is Senior Research Officer working in the area of production economics and policy analysis with Teagasc. She is member of the SFI funded BiOrbic Bioeconomy Research Centre. She also collaborated in various European Commission tender projects related to crop economics and productivity assessment.

Ms. Deirdre de Bhailis - Dingle Hub

Ms. De Bhailís holds a degree in Electronic Engineering and a Masters in Engineering Science. She is the general manager of the Dingle Hub, and she is a nationally recognised leader in social enterprise and community engagement. She drives multiple projects that address the community’s transition to a low-carbon society.

Mr. Seán Finan - irBEA

Mr. Finan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA). He is a Chartered Engineer and he served as the 35th National President of the Irish young farmers association and Vice President of the European Young Farmers Association.