8.3 | Gas Networks Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) operates, builds and maintains the state-owned gas network (representing 30% of Ireland’s primary energy). They aim to move to a “carbon neutral” gas network by 2050. Renewable gas is an extremely flexible and efficient fuel that can be fully accommodated into the existing gas network. In urban areas, natural and renewable gas are economically beneficial routes to a decarbonised energy sector. The network currently includes Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, the towns of Metropolitan Cork, Carlow, Tramore, Wexford, Clonmel, Carrick On Suir, Nenagh, Ennis, Shannon, Mallow, Bandon, Fermoy, Kinsale and Listowel. There are opportunities to extend the gas network to other settlements and to draw further upon the use of renewable gas supplies and support decarbonisation in the energy sector. The gas network also has the capacity to accommodate new loads as part of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Increased use of the gas network can provide enhanced energy security at a relatively low cost. There is significant demand for renewable gas from industry as a heating and transport fuel. In addition, the circular economy benefits will also deliver a major decarbonisation benefit for agriculture and industry. GNI is committed to integrating indigenous renewable gas production (including biogas derived from waste) and grid injection, and is progressing a renewable gas injection facility project with Green Generation Ltd and the GRAZE Gas project in Mitchelstown. There is significant potential for the Region to lead in the integration of the biogas sector and biogas production as a core element of sustainable agriculture, developing a significant indigenous renewable energy industry. There are further proposals in assessing a potential Carbon Capture Storage Project, which has the potential to decarbonise gas-fired power plants in the Region, and thereby make a significant contribution to achieving a low carbon economy in Ireland. Chapter 5 contains related objectives on renewable biogas/biomethane sector, renewable energy and decarbonisation.
Energy Hub Case Study: The Tarbert-Ballylongford lands in Co Kerry The Tarbert-Ballylongford lands in Co Kerry comprise of 390 hectares of lands zoned for marine- related industry and compatible industries. Planning permission exists at the location to build a Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) importation and storage terminal on a portion of the site. The proposal included a 500 MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, a 26km pipeline and permitted connection to the natural gas grid. It is anticipated that the projectwould position the area as a major National Centre for CHP and facilities requiring access to deep water with substantial requirements for electricity and natural gas.
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Gas Network Subject to appropriate environmental assessment and the planning process where required, it is an objective to: a. Promote renewable gas leading to carbon emission reduction in agriculture, industry, heating and transport as well as sustainable local employment opportunities. b. Support the transition of the gas network to a “carbon neutral” gas network by 2050, which will drive Ireland and the Region to becoming a low carbon society. c. Support investment in the sustainable development of agricultural biogas sector and regional gas supply projects which strengthen gas networks in the Region and assist integration of renewable gas to the grid network. d. Suppor t investment in developing renewable gas and provision of CNG refuelling infrastructure which will help reduce the Green House Gas emissions in both the agriculture and transport sectors and support Carbon Capture and Storage initiatives, which has the potential to decarbonise power generation at scale. e. Strengthen the gas network sustainably to service settlements and employment areas intheRegion, support progress indeveloping the infrastructures to enable strategic energy projects in the Region. An example is the Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank in Co Kerry which is a strategic development site under the Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary and support for the extension of the Gas Network from Listowel into the Kerry Hub and Knowledge Tri-Angle settlements of Tralee, Killarney and Killorglin.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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