Dónal Kissane, Commercial Manager, Gas Networks Ireland said, “Gas Networks Ireland is delighted to welcome members of Cork Chamber, Energy Cork and MaREI/UCC to take part in Ireland’s first carbon neutral bus journey. Unlike the diesel buses currently in operation, this bus runs on renewable gas, and its journey will have a zero carbon emissions footprint. Gas Networks Ireland believes that the future of public transport in Ireland will be based on renewable gas, using waste from the agriculture and food industry. Notably, the SEAI has concluded that 25% of the gas used in Ireland could be sourced renewable gas.”

The first passenger bus journey of its kind in Ireland will pick up from Lapps Quay in Cork city and travel to the SFI funded Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy (MaREI) in Ringaskiddy where passengers will have the opportunity to gain insights from leading gas and algal biofuels researcher Professor Jerry D. Murphy on the research and focus of the work ongoing.
UCC Prof. Jerry Murphy of MaREI added, “Our research in collaboration with Gas Networks Ireland is focussed on greening of transport fuel through circular economy routes. We see agri-slurries and municipal wastes converted to biogas which can then be used to fuel buses and lorries in place of diesel. The biogas systems can operate as waste treatment systems, whilst reducing GHG emissions on the farm, producing biofertiliser, displacing diesel, emitting no harmful emissions in combustion resulting in better air quality in cities. This demonstration represents a significant step forward in delivering a sustainable renewable fuel for Irish transport.”

Energy Cork, which brings together Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Gas Networks Ireland, Bus Eireann, Cork Chamber and other regional stakeholders, has been working closely to garner support for green bus routes throughout the city and county. Following the success of Drive4Zero, which incentivised Cork commuters to switch to electric cars, Energy Cork believes that green buses are vital to the sustainable infrastructure and development of Cork in the future.
About Biomethane
Biomethane is a naturally occurring renewable gas produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic materials and residues from agriculture, food production and waste processing. It can be produced biomethane from slurry, sewage, red meat processing waste, residues from breweries and distilleries, food waste, and farm manure. Biomethane not only generates energy, but also supports a more circular economy through the use of waste as a resource.