Courses
Admissions & Support
Biomethane and Renewable Gas Development (Certificate, L9, 30 ECTS)
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Status: Apply Now
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Location: Online
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years: 1
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Fees: €4,250* This programme has Springboard + funding for the 25-26 Academic Year. See Fees section below for further details.
Programme Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Biomethane Development and Renewable Gas aims to equip graduates and professionals with the technical, regulatory, environmental, and financial knowledge required to develop and manage biomethane and renewable gas projects successfully. The programme provides a comprehensive understanding of biomethane production, policy frameworks, environmental compliance, and investment considerations, preparing students to contribute to the growing renewable gas sector in Ireland and beyond.
The Programme aligns with Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy, which targets 5.7 TWh of biomethane production annually by 2030, covering 10% of national gas demand. Achieving this goal requires 140–200new anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities, creating an estimated 1,800 direct and 4,400 indirect jobs, particularly in rural areas. This programme equips participants with technical, regulatory and financial expertise to meet these industry demands. (assets.gov.ie)
Enterprise Engagement & Demand: A Request for Information (RFI) from Gas Networks Ireland(2022) received 176 responses from potential biomethane producers, indicating a production capacity of 14.8 TWh per annum—far exceeding the national target. This strong enterprise interest highlights the need for skilled professionals to manage project development, compliance, and investment planning. (gasnetworks.ie)
Demographic & Regional Demand: The expected rollout of 200 AD plants will drive employment growth in rural Ireland, supporting regional economies. The programme responds to this demand by providing workforce training for biomethane sector growth.
The programme is designed to attract learners from the following areas:
Engineering & Environmental Graduates seeking expertise in biomethane technology.
Agricultural Professionals exploring renewable energy opportunities.
Policy Makers & Regulators needing insights into Ireland’s biomethane landscape.
Financial Analysts & Investors evaluating renewable gas market potential
By addressing labour market needs, enterprise engagement, and national policy targets, this course supports Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Modules
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Biomethane Technology and Systems
This module provides an in-depth introduction to biomethane production, including feedstock selection, anaerobic digestion (AD) processes, gas upgrading, and grid injection. It explores system integration with existing energy infrastructure, the role of biomethane in decarbonisation strategies, and emerging innovations in renewable gas technologies.
• Introduction to biomethane and anaerobic digestion
• Feedstocks and process optimisation.
• Gas upgrading technologies (membrane separation, water scrubbing, PSA, cryogenic)
• Grid injection and distribution systems
• Biomethane for transport (CNG, LNG applications)
• Emerging technologies (Power-to-Gas, methanation, sector coupling)
• Case studies of operational biomethane projects
• Understanding on construction, operational, technical and safety features (Industry expert lecture)
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Legal, Planning, and Environmental Aspects of Biomethane Projects
This module explores the legal, regulatory, and environmental considerations in biomethane project development. It covers Irish and EU legislation, planning and permitting processes, environmental impact assessments (EIA), and sustainability certification schemes.
• EU and Irish renewable gas policies and legislation
• Planning and permitting requirements for biomethane projects
• Environmental regulations (EIA, water and air quality standards, biodiversity impact)
• Sustainability and carbon footprint assessment
• Certification schemes and guarantees of origin (GO) systems
• Community engagement and social acceptance strategies
• Risk assessment and regulatory compliance in project execution
• Policy perspectives (Policy expert lecture)
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Investment and Financial Strategies for Renewable Gas Development
This module focuses on the financial and investment aspects of biomethane and renewable gas projects. It covers business models, funding mechanisms, financial risk management, and the economic viability of biomethane production.
• Economic analysis of biomethane production (CAPEX, OPEX, revenue streams)
• Business models for biomethane deployment (direct sale, grid injection, CNG/LNG markets)
• Investment strategies and risk management
• Funding mechanisms (EU funding, green bonds, venture capital, PPPs)
• Policy incentives and financial supports (grants, tariffs, carbon trading)
• Case studies on successful biomethane projects
Further Information
Application Queries
Flexible Learning Office
Email: springboard.midwest@tus.ie
Telephone: 061 293802
What are the academic entry requirements?
An honours degree (level 8) in a cognate (e.g. Science, Engineering etc.,) discipline or approved equivalent qualification
Or
An honours degree (level 8) in a non-cognate discipline with 4 years experience and/or ability, evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning
Or
Equivalent Qualifications.
Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European and International frameworks will also be considered. International students must evidence a proficiency in English language (IELTS 6.5). Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above, but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, including workplace experience, should apply to the Department of Flexible Learning Office using the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure for consideration.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) – Assessment
Please review the academic entry requirements for this programme.
If you do not hold these qualifications but would like your application to be assessed under RPL please select YES on the online application form.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.
Application Process
Applications for this programme must be made online via the Springboard Application Management System. Once the programme is open for applications, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button located at the top and bottom of this webpage, which will take you directly to the application system. Please note that if you do not already have a Springboard Profile, you must create an account before you can apply for any Springboard programme.
Further Information
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Student Induction will take place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd September 2025.
Classes will commence on the week of 8th September 2025.
This programme will be delivered over one academic year, two semesters. It will be run fully online and classes will take place as follows:
- Semester 1 – Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8pm
- Semester 2 – Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8pm
Live online classes will be recorded and available to watch back.
Proposed Delivery Schedule is Subject to Change.
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Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.
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100% Continuous Assessment
A variety of assessment techniques will be employed, including:
Individual projects
Case studies
Essays
Presentations
Open-book exams
Online and in-class assessments
Client-based live company projects
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Postgraduate Certificate in Biomethane and Renewable Gas Development (Special Purpose Award, Level 9, 30 ECTS)
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€4,250
This programme will be Springboard+ funded in 2025.
Successful applicants in employment will qualify for 90% Springboard+ funding & will be liable for the balance of the 10% fee of €425.
Successful applicants on a qualifying DSP payment will qualify for 100% funding.
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*Limited Places
Deadline; August 8th 2025
Places are allocated on a first come first served basis, prioritizing unemployed and returning applicants.
The programme will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached.
Programmes run subject to viable numbers.