Gas Networks Ireland is moving forward with plans for a major decarbonisation project aimed at reducing its operational Green House Gas emissions by 42%.

The €200 million project will focus on its two compressor stations at Beattock and Brighouse Bay in Scotland, with new Electric Motor Drives (EMDs) to be installed at each site.

These stations form a key part of Ireland’s gas supply infrastructure, with a significant proportion of the country’s natural gas passing through them.

Gas Networks Ireland said the new EMDs will improve energy efficiency at the sites, while also reducing environmental impacts in the surrounding area.

EMDs use electricity rather than gas to power compressors, and can be used in place of traditional turbines. As a result, they reduce on-site combustion emissions and can reduce other pollutants typically associated with exhaust systems.

The EMDs can be used on their own or alongside existing gas turbines, supporting the resilience of gas supply, particularly during periods of peak demand.

Gas Networks Ireland’s compressor station at Brighouse Bay, Scotland

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s 14,758km national gas network.

The network currently supplies a significant share of Ireland’s energy, including almost 40% of electricity generation, with over 720,000 homes and businesses relying on gas for heating, cooking, manufacturing and transport.

Gas Networks Ireland has committed to reducing emissions generated by its infrastructure - such as compressor stations and network operations - by 51% by 2030, in line with Ireland’s national climate targets.

Gas Networks Ireland

This new project is expected to play a key role in that effort, by targeting one of the most emissions-intensive parts of the network and delivering significant reductions from its day-to-day operation.

The project is expected to reduce emissions from operating the network by around 87,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year.

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