News - March 18, 2026
BIOGEST announces Strategic Partnership with Local Power to accelerate Biomethane Development in Ireland
Curragh Biogas becomes its first ready-to-build project
BIOGEST brings proven PowerRing technology and expertise to the Irish market
Collaboration strengthens Ireland’s emerging biomethane sector by combining local development with global technological experience
VIENNA, AUSTRIA / DUBLIN, IRELAND: BIOGEST and local power announce a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development of agricultural biomethane projects across Ireland. The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to promote high‑quality, sustainable green gas solutions and to support the expansion of Ireland’s biomethane production capacity.
Pat Smith, Managing Director of Local Power Ltd, welcomed the collaboration, stating: “Local Power is delighted to work alongside BIOGEST, a company with an exceptional global record in agricultural AD anaerobic digestion technology. With all major development milestones achieved for our Curragh Biogas project in County Meath, this collaboration brings together the technical strength and project experience needed to deliver a high‑quality biomethane facility for Ireland. BIOGEST’s proven technology will provide real confidence to farmers and developers and we see this partnership as an important step toward building a robust and sustainable biomethane industry.”
The first joint project under the partnership, Curragh Biogas in Carnaross, Co. Meath, is a ready-to-build facility, designed for 599 Nm³/h of biomethane production based on a poultry, cattle and pig slurry and grass, maize and rye silage feedstock mix. Once operational, the Curragh Biogas project will reduce annual emissions by an estimated 25,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
“BIOGEST is pleased to collaborate with Local Power on bringing high‑performance biomethane solutions to Ireland,” said Martin Schlerka, CEO of BIOGEST. “Local Power brings extensive project development expertise, having successfully developed out hundreds of renewable projects across Ireland in the last 10 years. Ireland offers a very promising environment for biomethane development, and we look forward to contributing our expertise to support the sector’s growth — provided a stable and effective policy framework is in place.”
BIOGEST’s PowerRing technology, deployed globally, has demonstrated efficiency, reliability and strong performance in agricultural feedstock processing. Combined with the company's experience in designing, constructing and operating AD plants, the technology provides a strong foundation for the Irish market’s ambitions in renewable gas.
This collaboration builds on Local Power’s deep experience in renewable energy project development in Ireland and represents a major step towards scaling a farmer‑inclusive model of biomethane production. By combining BIOGEST’s global technology leadership with Local Power’s market knowledge and project development capabilities, the partnership aims to contribute significantly to Ireland’s renewable gas ambitions.
Management
Martin Schlerka (CEO)
Andreea Liubimirescu (CFO)
Martin Hornhuber (COO)
BIOGEST® is a pioneer brand offering full-service biomethane and biogas plant solutions worldwide and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. With more than 30 years in the business, BIOGEST has realized 200+ projects in over 20 countries. The tried and tested BIOGEST technology is created to customize green gas projects from strategic planning to co-investment, construction, operation, maintenance, and management of plants. BIOGEST engages in converting organic waste into clean and renewable energy to combat the rise in waste produced and satisfy the growing energy demand.
LOCAL POWER Ltd this year celebrates 10 years in the renewable energy space, working with farms and businesses right across the country to help them reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs. The company has a few divisions and specialises in biomethane, solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure. As a family-run business, we emphasize offering the best solutions using proven, high-quality technologies with strong warranties. In partnership with farmers, Local Power has successfully secured planning, EPA licence and a grid connection agreement for its first biomethane plant in Carnaross, Co. Meath and is currently working with farmers in the midlands to progress a second project.