Director of Kildare biomethane plant battling to keep it open

The state-owned Irish Strategic Investment Fund have appointed KPMG as receivers to Clonbio Green Gas Ltd, trading as Green Generation in Nurney, at the company’s invitation.

The business, which employs 72 people, owes the state investor €12 million, which is secured against its assets.

Billy Costello, director and co-founder, said Green Generation had found it increasingly difficult to compete against cheap biofuel imports from China and southeast Asia while also questioning the government’s approach to the sector.

“It’s hard to keep going because the Government is importing waste oil. China and Indonesia are selling this cheaply because Paddy will pay for waste. 

"The oil companies and filling stations, it’s cheaper for them to bring in palm oil, and so much is coming to Ireland and Europe Indonesia doesn’t have enough to cook."

Green Generation produces biomethane gas from farm waste, but businesses seeking to comply with government regulations, including the renewable transport fuel obligation, opt for the cheaper imports.

He added: "If they stop the fraud coming in we won’t need subsidies.

“This is what our Government is doing, and it will cost us billions by 2030.

“”Bio-methane is necessary to keeps our pipes flowing, and we should have these around the country.

“The oil companies are creaming it because of the imports.

“2030 is coming, and we will have to pay an €20bn cheque”.

He added: “I will try to keep it going ...

“I would like to keep these 72 jobs in the county”.