Cahiracon in Clare chosen to host Ireland's floating emergency gas reserve

An artist's render of the new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve. Gas Networks Ireland has selected Cahiracon, Co. Clare along the Shannon Estuary as the location for Ireland’s new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER). 

Gas Networks Ireland has selected Cahiracon, a site on the Shannon Estuary in Co Clare, as the location for Ireland's new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve, a specialist ship to provide gas in the event of a disruption to Ireland’s gas supplies. 

The new 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. The FSRU is a specialist ship that stores LNG at very low temperatures and then converts it to natural gas when required.

The multi-acre site in Cahiracon will be developed to include a deep-water jetty, 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 Gas Networks Ireland chief operating officer Bobby Gleeson. 

Initially, 14 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 site assessments at locations in Cork Harbour and the Shannon Estuary.

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

“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," said Mr Gleeson.

The Government approved the delivery of the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve in March, as it is deemed critical for Ireland’s energy security while the State continues to transition to renewable energy.

Ireland currently imports 80% of its natural gas via two interconnectors from Britain. 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. The 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 floating unit can be re-supplied by sea until normal gas supplies are restored.