Global Methane Hub  

This project looks at the short to medium-term strategies to enhance the uptake of agricultural methane mitigation technologies and practices in Ireland.  

In the EU we face vast challenges in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG) in all sectors, including the agricultural sector, which currently is responsible for 13% of the total GHG emissions in the EU. Although methane from livestock and manure handling account for 66% of the total GHG emissions from agriculture, the actions taken to reduce these emissions have so far proven to be insufficient in providing robust reduction pathways for farmers and food companies. There is therefore a need for agreement on pathways for methane reduction in Ireland and across the EU. 

In this project IIEA is collaborating with other European thinktanks in addressing the potentials and challenges in realizing the necessary reductions in the livestock sectors methane emissions. The purpose of the project is to map the potential for reductions through technology and governance -options with a particular focus on barriers and opportunities for change. 

In the project period 2025-2027 IIEA will contribute with mapping and analysis of national efforts in Ireland on methane reduction in the livestock sector. This includes assessing the reduction potential through technological measures, as well as mapping the enabling and hindering policies to realizing the reduction potential. 

In close collaboration with think tanks from around Europe including Agora Agriculture, Clingendael Institute, IDDRI, IEEP, Concito, and IZG, we will produce evidence-based analyses and outline options for increasing the uptake of technologies at the national and EU level. An important part of the project is to involve decision-makers and stakeholders from agriculture, industry, science and NGO’s, to promote the dialogue, deliver solutions, and communicate insights and recommendations to decision makers. 

The project is funded by the Global Methane Hub.