Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) has its sights set on connecting the Edenderry Power complex, owned by Bord na Móna, a fellow State-owned company, to its network. GNI alleges this plan will result in a considerable 40% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from the plant in County Offaly.
GNI, owner and operator of a network that facilitates the import and distribution of natural gas across Ireland, has announced a historic agreement with Bord na Móna. The latter is undergoing a transition from extraction of peat from the Republic’s peatlands for power generation. As a part of the €2.8 billion agreement, the Edenderry power station will be annexed to GNI’s network.
Following the completion of the connection, greenhouse gas emissions from the Edenderry location are projected to experience a 40% cut. This will be feasible as the move will endorse Bord na Móna’s transition from diesel-fuelled power generators to natural gas. Looking towards the future, GNI anticipates that the Edenderry generators will be adaptable to utilise biomethane and green hydrogen, promising further emissions reductions.
Edenderry’s power plant, which provides electricity during peak demand times, supports the national grid to cope with inconsistent supplies from renewable energy sources, the operation of which is weather-dependent.
GNI intends to install a 22km steel pipeline that will synergise its system with Edenderry Power, with construction set to commence in 2027. The project is currently in the early stages of the planning and development process, GNI disclosed. The company is planning to engage with local communities and host informational evenings in the coming weeks to further disseminate details of the plan.
Labeling the agreement as a “significant step”, Brian Sheehan, GNI’s newly-promoted director of assets and infrastructure, stated the gas network is capable of transporting zero-carbon gases like green hydrogen. John Reilly, head of renewable energy at Bord na Móna, is of the belief that the project has transformative potential for Edenderry by enabling its power generators to operate in a more sustainable manner.
In separate news, a sector association contended on Tuesday that focusing on sun-generated power in the forthcoming green energy auction could help the typical household reduce their electricity costs by €227 annually. The government’s plans include calling upon renewable energy providers to participate in the upcoming Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) auction in the fall.
The RESS auction ensures a fixed payment to every firm that secures an electricity supply contract through the scheme, favouring those able to offer the lowest prices. CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association, Conall Bolger, emphasised that the impending autumn represents the final chance to achieve the nation’s goal of establishing 8,000 megawatts of solar power by 2030.
According to a study sponsored by Bolger’s association, the government could potentially allow the ordinary household to save €227 annually. This saving is achievable due to diminished emissions and lower public service obligations on electricity bills if the solar energy objective is met in the fall auction.