Gas Networks Ireland confirms completion of twinning of Ireland to Scotland interconnector

18th December 2018:  Gas Networks Ireland has announced the completion of the twinning and commissioning of the Ireland to Scotland gas interconnector. The new 50km gas pipeline between Cluden and Brighouse Bay in Scotland will reinforce security of supply across the island of Ireland and its commissioning completes the full twinning of the two gas interconnectors between Ireland and the UK. Twinning of the on-shore section, which feeds the two subsea pipelines in place since 1993 and 2004 respectively, secures this vital link to the UK gas market. 

The pipeline will also boost the operational flexibility of the Irish gas network which is essential to providing backup to intermittent renewable electricity generation. Natural gas, as the cleanest and most flexible fossil fuel for power generation, is an ideal partner to renewables as Ireland seeks to meet its energy and climate change targets.

The project was made possible through EU funding, as the project was identified as a Project of Common Interest within the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Energy programme and received grant funding of €33.7M.  Projects of common interest (PCIs) are key infrastructure projects aimed at completing the European energy market in order to help the EU achieve its energy policy and climate objectives: affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all citizens, as well as the long-term decarbonisation of the economy in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

The new pipeline was unveiled at a ceremony held by GNI (UK) and attended by representatives from the European Commission’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA), The UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, The Irish Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment, the GNI (UK) Board of Directors, Dumfries and Galloway Council, members of the Project Team across Gas Networks Ireland and Ervia Major Projects.

Speaking at the launch, Denis O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Gas Networks Ireland, said “This PCI project has delivered a critical piece of infrastructure which addresses the risk of interruptions to energy supplies into Ireland by removing a dependency on a single pipeline, now resulting in a complete twinned system between Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Project has only been made possible by EU funding through the Connecting Europe Facility and I would like to thank both the Irish and UK Governments and the EU for their support on this strategic piece of critical infrastructure. I would also like to pay tribute to our teams in Gas Networks Ireland and Ervia Major Projects for delivering this project.”

Natural gas currently supplies about one third of Ireland’s total energy demand.  Natural gas is used in 700,000 homes and businesses and is the fuel for over 50% of Ireland’s electricity generation.  During the summer of 2018, Natural Gas was supplying up to 90% of electricity as wind and hydro generation was reduced to near zero levels due to climatic conditions. 

While Ireland produces over 50% of its gas from indigenous sources (Corrib and Kinsale), Moffat is a key supply point for the Irish gas network.   The completion of the twinning of this connection means that in the unlikely event of any operational issues on either of the pipelines that connects Ireland and Scotland, there is an alternative pipeline, providing full capacity to meet Ireland’s gas demand.

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Further Information

Gas Networks Ireland

Mary O’Mahony 021 4534545 / 086 8342277
PR Manager

Murray
Joe Heron  01 4980315 / 087 6909735
Jackie Phelan  01 4980300

About Gas Networks Ireland:

Gas Networks Ireland is the business division of Ervia that owns, builds and maintains the natural gas network in Ireland and connects all customers to the gas network. Gas Networks Ireland operates one of the most modern and safe gas networks in the world and ensures that almost 700,000 homes and businesses receive a safe, efficient and secure supply of natural gas, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

About Ervia:

Ervia is the commercial semi-state multi-utility company responsible for the delivery of Ireland’s national gas and water infrastructure and services.  Through its regulated business, Gas Networks Ireland, Ervia builds and operates one of the most modern and safe gas networks in the world. Ervia is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of Ireland’s water and wastewater assets through its other regulated business Irish Water. The company also provides dark fibre broadband infrastructure through its business Aurora Telecom.