Cork plant meets 25% of energy needs

A QUARTER of the country’s energy needs are now produced in Cork harbour, following the opening of a €400 million electricity generating plant in Whitegate.

The plant, officially opened by Bord Gáis yesterday, will be capable of generating sufficient power for 445,000 homes.

John Mullins, the company’s chief executive, revealed Bord Gáis supplied 420,000 customers with electricity and predicted, by the end of next year, its electricity customers will outstrip the number of households supplied with gas.

Mr Mullins said the launch last February of its Big Switch advertising campaign had significantly bolstered the number of customers using its energy products.

Bord Gáis now holds 12% of the electricity market and is the country’s second largest windfarm operator.

“The completion of the Whitegate power plant is hugely important to us in strategic terms. It provides the backing for our retail electricity business, which continues to grow,” Mr Mullins said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said the opening of the generating plant made the Cork region much more attractive for inward investment.

The 445 megawatts gas-fired power plant is one of the most efficient electricity generation plants in the world today.

The Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) generating station has an efficiency rating of 58.5%, making it the most efficient in Ireland.

Mr Martin said it was a key development for the state as it enhances the country’s security of supply and energy mix.

“In these changed and difficult times it is encouraging to see Bord Gáis developing electricity generating infrastructure in Ireland and building a balanced portfolio of electricity generation across both conventional and renewable technologies to support the delivery of competitive, sustainable energy solutions to its customers,” the minister said.

Bord Gáis chairman Rose Hynes said the Whitegate plant was a very tangible symbol of how the company has transformed from a gas supply utility to a dual fuel provider with over one million customers.

The power station was constructed by the GAMA and General Electric consortium.

Ms Hynes said she was proud the facility had been built within budget and on time.

Furthermore, she was especially proud of the safety record during construction, she said.

More than 1.8 million man-hours were expended on constructing the plant over a 19-month period, which was accident free.