The Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is a State-led project that will provide a temporary natural gas facility that can be used in the event of a disruption to Ireland’s gas supplies.

The Government approved the delivery of the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve in March, as it is critical for Ireland’s energy security while the State continues to transition to renewable energy. The new gas reserve will be delivered in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), which will be owned and operated on behalf of the State by Gas Networks Ireland.

Initially, 14 possible coastal sites were considered as potential locations for the strategic gas emergency reserve. In recent months, Gas Networks Ireland’s team of engineers and consultants undertook detailed site assessments at locations in Cork Harbour and the Shannon Estuary.

Each site was evaluated against four specific criteria – technical, environmental, financial and planning. Following this comprehensive multi-criteria and cost-benefit analysis plus its associated pipe route corridor, the site at Cahiracon was deemed to best meet the project needs.

The multiacre site in Cahiracon will be developed to include a deep-water jetty for a floating storage regasification unit (FRSU), an onshore facility, and a new connection to the national gas network.

“This is a very significant milestone in the delivery of Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve,” said Bobby Gleeson, Chief Operating Officer of Gas Networks Ireland. “Our teams have been working on detailed assessments of each of the possible locations, and following a rigorous process, they have identified Cahiracon in Co. Clare as best suited to meet the project requirements.”

Gas Networks Ireland representatives will immediately begin engaging with members of the local community to inform them further about the project and to explain the next steps. “We will be keeping local stakeholders updated and informed throughout this process,” Mr Gleeson said.

Ireland needs a temporary strategic gas emergency reserve because it currently imports 80% of its natural gas via two interconnectors from Britain.  Any interruption to that supply would have a severe impact on electricity and heating to homes and businesses.  Gas currently provides about 30% of Ireland’s primary energy needs and typically generates more than 40% of our electricity. At peak demand, gas can supply up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation.

The Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve will help mitigate this risk, as it will provide an alternative gas supply in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FRSU), which is central to the project, is a specialist ship that stores LNG at very low temperatures and then converts it to natural gas when required.

This vessel will be docked at a jetty in Cahiracon and can deliver this natural gas to the existing gas network if required at any point. In the event of a major disruption to the current supply, the FRSU can be continuously re-supplied by sea until normal gas supplies are restored. FSRUs are a proven and safe technology which have been in use internationally for more than 20 years. There are currently more than 50 operating throughout the world.

The selection of this site is a significant milestone for this project as Gas Networks Ireland will now progress with further scoping and designs, which will further refine costs estimates to inform the final investment decision.

Natural gas is currently an essential back-up for intermittent renewable energy sources on our electricity system. When Ireland has progressed its transition to renewable energy sources and no longer faces a risk of disruption to gas supplies, the FSRU vessel can depart. The State-owned jetty and onshore facility at Cahiracon can then be repurposed for other uses in the future.