Press Release: Kinsale Gas Field infrastructure must be retained to support Ireland’s energy supply
Offshore importation of non-fracked LNG key to addressing energy security, sustainability, and affordability in transition to renewables.
Ireland has a unique opportunity to take advantage of existing infrastructure at Kinsale Head Gas Field to help address the challenge of energy security, sustainability, and affordability. That’s according to Mag Mell Energy Ireland, which today (25.05.22) launched ‘Keeping Ireland’s Energy Flowing’, a white paper on retaining the Kinsale Gas Pipeline and Inch Onshore Terminal for offshore importation of non-fracked Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
Commenting Chief Executive of Mag Mell, Paul Griffiths said: “The world has changed dramatically in the past two years. As Europe emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, we now face the geopolitical consequences of the war in Ukraine. Security of energy supply was important before these immense challenges. With the spectre of a European gas shortage, it is now critical.
“Novel solutions are immediately required to bolster energy security, allowing society and the economy to function and grow. Europe also needs the right transition fuel sources to achieve climate targets set out in the EU Green Deal. As we decouple from Russian fuels, Europe is urgently looking at alternatives to boost imports, particularly for LNG. This though is proving to be extremely difficult due to major infrastructural challenges.”
Mr Griffiths continued: “Being on the periphery of Europe, any looming gas shortage will hit Ireland harder than most. However, to the envy of our European neighbours, Ireland already has ready-made infrastructure assets which can be rapidly redeployed to support offshore importation of LNG directly into our national grid via the existing Kinsale Gas Pipeline and Inch Onshore Terminal. This infrastructure can also be repurposed in due course to facilitate the expected volumes of decarbonised and renewable gases such as hydrogen as they come on stream.”
Offshore importation of LNG as a solution to security of energy supply.
Mag Mell Energy Ireland is seeking to create an ambitious floating LNG storage and regasification project close to the now depleted Kinsale Head Gas Field. The project proposes the procurement of two low-footprint vessels – called floating storage and regasification units (FSRU). A mooring point for the FSRUs would be established beyond the horizon 50km off the coast, linking directly under the sea to the Kinsale Gas Pipeline.
Imported LNG can be brought back to its gas state onboard the FSRUs at the mooring point and transferred through the pipeline to the associated national grid connection point at Inch near Midleton, Co. Cork. The project aims to provide enhanced security of energy supply for Ireland’s energy network with less environmental and cost impact than other proposed land-based energy infrastructure such as the proposed Shannon LNG terminal.
“Given the tremendous pressures countries throughout Europe are facing to establish LNG infrastructure, the Mag Mell project offers Ireland a distinct competitive advantage while providing secure, cost-effective back-up energy support in the transition to a green grid. Irish policy makers and regulators have already acknowledged the need to employ LNG in achieving our climate action targets and strengthening security of supply,” Mr Griffiths added.
“With reserves from the Corrib gas field now depleting, Ireland is increasing its reliance each year on its other single source of natural gas coming from the UK via the Scottish interconnector. This poses real risk to energy security and price should the UK reduce or stop supply leaving Ireland more exposed to a shortage of gas supplies compared to our European peers.”
Why decommissioning the Kinsale pipeline is a premature move
The Kinsale Head Gas Field ceased production in July 2020, following the depletion of all gas reserves. As part of the decommissioning process following cessation of production, it is intended to remove all equipment from the Inch Onshore Terminal and plug the exposed ends of the Kinsale Gas Pipeline with grout. This would ultimately make redundant a key piece of infrastructure which provides direct access into the national grid removing any reuse options including the proposed Mag Mell project.
Mr Griffiths concluded: “With the Review of the Security of Energy Supply of Ireland’s Electricity and Natural Gas Systems due to be published by the Irish Government later this year and in the context of the worsening energy crisis, the decision by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to grant consent to decommission this infrastructure should be deferred with immediate effect. If this isn’t challenged, very shortly Ireland could lose this significant advantage. We will then be on the back foot seeking solutions which ultimately will be more complex, take longer to develop and will cost considerably more than what we are proposing.
“It is critical that any infrastructure which presents an opportunity to address Ireland’s energy supply needs while supporting the journey to decarbonisation is retained at this point. The Mag Mell project sets out a clear vision for how this infrastructure can be repurposed to help address Ireland’s fall-back energy needs while supporting the transition to a fully green grid. However, time is of the essence to grab this unique opportunity and prevent the removal of this invaluable infrastructure.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Grace Donnellan, Tel: 086-3714768 / Email: grace.donnellan@instincitif.com
David O’Donnell, Tel: 086-1081139 / Email: david.odonnell@instinnctif.com
Notes to editors:
• Chief Executive of Mag Mell Energy Ireland, Paul Griffiths is available for media interview upon request.