On October 2nd, Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially marked the completion of construction on Gas Networks Ireland's Mitchelstown Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in County Cork.
The facility, the first of its kind in Europe, has been developed as part of Gas Networks Ireland's ambition to transform Ireland's gas network into a renewable energy network. At full design capacity it will be able to reduce CO2 emissions by around 130,000 tonnes a year.
Meeting the challenge of decarbonisation
Ireland faces a significant challenge to reduce its carbon emissions while maintaining a secure and reliable energy supply. Decarbonising sectors such as industry, agriculture and manufacturing will require a range of solutions that can reduce emissions without disrupting existing operations.
Biomethane is one such solution that can support them all.
Produced from farm and food waste through a process known as anaerobic digestion, biomethane is a renewable gas that can be transported through Ireland's existing gas network and used by businesses and industry without requiring major changes to appliances or infrastructure.
A new route to the gas network
In August, Ireland’s biomethane sector marked two significant milestone with the direct connection of Ireland first two biomethane plants (Bia Energy in Finglas, Dublin and College Group in Nobber, Meath) to the gas network.
While interest in biomethane production continues to grow, many potential producers are located in rural areas too far from the national gas network to make a direct connection economically viable. The Mitchelstown CGI facility has been designed to overcome that challenge.
The facility will provide a central connection point to the national gas network, allowing producers from across the country to transport renewable gas to Mitchelstown for injection into the network.
By removing a key barrier to connection, the CGI has the potential to support the development of new renewable gas projects in regions that were previously unable to participate in the sector.
Delivering a cleaner energy future
Ireland's gas network plays a vital role in the country's energy system, supplying around 30% of total energy demand and supporting more than 40% of electricity generation but Gas Networks Ireland recognises that it must support the country achieve its climate targets.
As the organisation marks 50 years of moving Ireland's energy, the opening of the Mitchelstown CGI is a powerful example of how the gas network is evolving to meet the challenges of the future. By unlocking greater volumes of renewable gas, supporting rural development and strengthening energy security, the facility represents an important step towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
Main image: An Taoiseach Micheál Martin opens Gas Networks Ireland’s new €32 million biomethane facility with CEO David Kelly. Image: Supplied.
