Planning Application submitted for €150 million gas fired power station in Northside

Kilshane Energy Ltd (KEL) has lodged a planning application to Fingal County Council for a 293MW gas fired Power Station.

The planned station will be located in Huntstown and the proposed project will consist of an open cycle gas turbine, designed to provide the support required by the intermittent nature of renewable generation.

The power station will involve an investment in excess of €150m and will generate enough electricity to power over 500,000 homes and businesses.

On completion of the planning process, the new facility will take up to 18 months to construct on lands owned by the company.

KEL is fully committed to supporting the growth of renewable generation on the island of Ireland and with our chosen technology, the proposed new gas-fired power station will provide cleaner and more flexible power than most of Ireland’s current generation fleet.

“We are pleased to have brought our objective to develop a power station at Huntstown to the planning stage with Fingal County Council.

“The timing of our application coincides with this week’s Policy Statement on Security of Electricity Supply, issued by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Mr Eamon Ryan, in response to the potential supply issues facing the country,” said Stuart Draffin, Director, Kilshane Energy.

“We note a key part of the Proposal is the addition of gas-powered electricity generation stations. Kilshane is working towards having its project operational to meet the objectives of the government.”

“In terms of continuity and security of supply, the gas-fired power plants will act as back-up for renewable energy sources, and although powered by fossil fuels, they emit significantly less greenhouse gases than other fossil fuel plants. Our application for planning includes the provision for dual fuel capability and to be emergency start ready,” he said.

Fran Whelan, Managing Director, CWPA, said: “We have lodged a comprehensive planning application with Fingal for a 293 MW Gas Turbine Power Station, under section 34 of the Planning and Development Act, which is just the first phase of the process for KEL.

“We are also pleased to say there are extensive planning gains for the area contained within this development proposal, including the realignment of the Kilshane Road which means road traffic hazards that currently exist will be eliminated as part of this development.

“In addition, we have been cognisant of retaining and enhancing the biodiversity on site whilst keeping a balance of wildlife presence.  We are of the view that this development proposal will go a long way to creating the energy security we currently require in the Irish power generation market and as envisaged by Minister Ryan”