Zero emission electric drives planned for key compressor stations supplying most of Ireland’s gas.
Gas Networks Ireland is preparing a €200 million upgrade of its two Scottish compressor stations in a move it says will sharply reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the resilience of Ireland’s gas supply.
The Irish State‑owned operator confirmed plans on Thursday to install electric motor drives at its Beattock and Brighouse Bay facilities in south‑west Scotland.
“From a company that started out with town gas only five decades ago, we are now working to deliver a net zero carbon gas network run on biomethane and hydrogen”
Together, the two stations handle almost 80% of the natural gas entering Ireland. The project, which is subject to planning and regulatory approvals in both jurisdictions, is scheduled to be operational by 2030.
The company said the new technology will cut its organisation‑wide operational emissions by 42% versus current levels. The investment was announced as political and business leaders from both countries met at the UK‑Ireland Summit in Cork.
Milestone moment
David Kelly, chief executive of Gas Networks Ireland, said the project represents “another milestone moment” as the organisation marks its 50th anniversary.
“From a company that started out with town gas only five decades ago, we are now working to deliver a net zero carbon gas network run on biomethane and hydrogen,” he said.
“As we transition Ireland’s network toward a renewable gas future, we are simultaneously working to identify solutions to reduce our own organisation’s carbon emissions, and this investment is a major step forward.”
Brian Sheehan, director of assets and infrastructure, said the company had assessed a range of decarbonisation options before selecting electric motor drives, which he described as a proven technology across European gas systems.
“They also provide greater operational flexibility as we transition to renewable power,” he said. “While this project is still at early stages, we have completed due diligence and initiated proactive and positive engagement with key stakeholders in both Ireland and Scotland.”
The company said the electric drives, which will be powered by renewable electricity, are considered best available technology by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. The units eliminate the local exhaust emissions associated with traditional gas‑fired compressors and reduce indirect emissions linked to power generation.
Planning applications will be submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council in the coming months. Tendering is already under way for the supply of the motor drives and for the design and construction of new compressor halls. Construction is expected to begin once supplier contracts are awarded.
Gas Networks Ireland has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 compared with 2024 levels. The Scottish upgrade is expected to account for most of that reduction target.
Top image: An aerial view of Gas Networks Ireland’s compressor station at Brighouse Bay in Scotland
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