Go-ahead given for new diesel-fuelled Power Plant in Offaly

THE go-ahead has been given to the construction of a new gas-fired, diesel-fuelled Power Plant in Shannonbridge.

Two companies have been contracted to carry out the construction project which will take place on the site of the former Shannonbridge Power Station. The works are scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023/2024 winter season. The purpose of the plant is to ensure a back-up nationwide electricity supply during critical situations and emergencies.

The plant will include eight gas turbine units, fuelled by diesel oil. The units will be supplied by GE Vernova. Argan has an engineering, procurement and construction contract with GE Vernova for the project. The gas turbine units will be 30-metre tall steel exhaust stacks. There will also be two 110kV generator step-up transformers.

The plant will run no more than 500 hours per year, and will only operate intermittently to meet the emergency needs as they arise.

The ESB project was given the go-ahead by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan in April, after an assessment by An Bord Pleanála.

Meanwhile, the ESB is still going to press ahead with the demolition of the existing power station, which was formerly fired by peat and was known as West Offaly Power.

Local Councillor John Clendennen told the Midland Tribune that he would still like to see the old Power Station remain in existence.

West Offaly Power was a milled peat station opened in July 2005 and closed in December 2020. The Station was 150MW, employed 41 staff and cost €240 million to build. It was closed down because of the government's decarbonisation programme, bringing to an end several decades of a lucrative peat harvesting industry in the West Offaly region.

Cllr Clendennen said it would be a great waste to demolish the station and alternative uses could be found. Some months ago Cllr Eamon Dooley pointed out that there is a fluidised bed in the station which means it could burn biomass or coal.

Also some months ago, Cllr Neil Feighery pointed out that Edenderry Power Station is currently consuming a large amount of diesel to produce energy. He said there are very large diesel generators in Edenderry Power Station which were supposed to be only used occasionally (during peak consumption times) but are now being used 24/7. The diesel is transported by diesel from Dublin Port to the Station's generators.

As far back as February 2020, Cllr Clendennen said the West Offaly Power premises could be used for tourism, remote working, and cultural and educational purposes; in other words it could be used in ways which would benefit Shannonbridge and the surrounding West Offaly region. The councillor said the premises could house a Museum which would be devoted to the history of carbon fuel. “It could also house, by way of giving examples of possibilities, a Film Studio Facility, an Enterprise Unit with Office suites, and an Adventure Sports Centre.”

The councillor welcomed the new diesel-fuelled Power Plant “but it should be operating alongside the repurposed former West Offaly Power site.”

Cllr John Leahy said it's highly unlikely the West Offaly Power Station won't be demolished. He added that his concern was not the type of power source used to drive the stations.

“My concern is jobs first and foremost. That's what the region needs. More jobs. A lot of jobs have been lost over the years and we need to create more. I am not overly concerned if the plants are powered by peat or diesel or whatever. What I want to see first and foremost is job creation in West Offaly. Look after the people and the communities first.”