How PrePlanning.ie Helps Biomethane & Renewable Gas Developers Find the Perfect Site for Their Next Project

As Ireland accelerates towards a decarbonised energy system, biomethane and anaerobic digestion (AD) projects have become central to national climate targets, agricultural diversification, and rural economic growth. But for developers, co-ops, and agribusinesses entering the renewable gas sector, one challenge consistently stands out, finding the right site and understanding whether it is actually viable from a planning perspective. At PrePlanning.ie, we help renewable energy developers quickly evaluate potential sites, identify risks, and understand planning constraints before major investment is made. Our automated, map-driven pre-planning assessment tools are designed to give you clarity early so you can move forward with confidence. In this article, we break down how our planning intelligence platform supports biomethane and AD developers at every stage of site selection and project design.

Biomethane and AD facilities are uniquely complex from a planning perspective. They sit at the intersection of:

• Agricultural operations
• Environmental protection
• Transport logistics
• Odour and emissions considerations
• Water and waste infrastructure
• Biodiversity and sensitive habitats
• Rural community engagement

Selecting a site without fully understanding these constraints can lead to costly redesigns, delays, and in some cases, planning refusal. Early-stage clarity is essential.

Our automated pre-planning tools and planning intelligence reports are designed to streamline site selection and reduce early-stage project risk for AD and biomethane developers. With a single input whether an Eircode, coordinates, or a map point the system instantly maps all relevant planning constraints, giving developers immediate clarity on a site’s suitability. Within seconds, users can understand a site's proximity to environmental designations such as SACs, SPAs, NHAs and proposed NHAs, identify sensitive watercourses and catchments, assess groundwater vulnerability and source protection zones, and evaluate flood risk through Flood Zones A and B. The tools also flag nearby residential receptors, road network access, zoning objectives and landscape sensitivity.This rapid overview replaces weeks of manual investigation and provides a decisive first filter for viable locations.

Because biomethane and AD projects fall under nuanced land-use classifications, our system goes further by analysing land-use compatibility in the context of each local development plan. Reports identify whether AD infrastructure is permissible, open for consideration, or generally discouraged under the applicable zoning. They also interpret how the surrounding area functions whether as agricultural, rural, enterprise or industrial land and compare the project against local authority policies on agri-industry, waste recovery, and circular-economy infrastructure. By checking these insights alongside real planning precedents in the area, developers gain confidence before investing in design work or environmental surveys.

Infrastructure and access are critical factors for AD developers, and our reports provide a practical evaluation of transport and utility feasibility. They highlight the nearest gas grid injection points where available, outline HGV-compatible access routes and any local road restrictions, and assess proximity to feedstock sources such as agricultural hinterlands. Distances to wastewater treatment plants and other utilities are also included, helping teams determine early on whether logistics, transport efficiency, and grid integration are achievable.

Environmental sensitivity screening is another core component, supporting developers long before formal EIAR work begins. The reports flag potential EIAR triggers, risks to Natura 2000 sites, hydrological connectivity concerns, and odour or noise sensitivity in surrounding communities. They also assess nearby watercourses, drains, wells, wetlands and peatlands features that can complicate construction and require specialist input. These insights strengthen early collaboration with ecologists, engineers, and environmental consultants and prevent costly surprises later in the process.

Finally understanding local planning patterns is essential, and our planning intelligence includes a detailed review of historic applications within a 2 km radius. Developers can quickly see what has been approved or refused, including the reasons behind refusals invaluable knowledge for AD projects, where environmental and access issues frequently recur. This context helps shape realistic expectations and supports more informed decision-making.

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets up to 5.7 TWh of biomethane by 2030 representing hundreds of new AD sites nationwide. As this sector expands, the need for data-driven, evidence-based planning support will only grow. PrePlanning.ie is committed to powering that growth by providing developers, co-ops, and agribusinesses with the insights needed to build viable, compliant, and community-supported renewable gas projects.

If you're evaluating potential sites, needing planning intelligence, or screening multiple locations, our automated reports can help. Generate your own pre-planning report today and see how accurate, automated insights can guide your next renewable energy project.  Let PrePlanning.ie guide you to your next viable site before you ever lodge an application. Contact us today to learn how we can support your project through intelligent site assessment or call us on 056 7820020