A review of Ireland’s energy security by the government’s depart of Energy, Climate and Communications has suggested leaving a reserve of gas at Corrib offshore gas field off the coast of Mayo for use in emergency circumstances.
Well flaring at the Corrib offshore gas field in Ireland. Credit: Irish Offshore Operator’s Union official website
According to statements given to the media, the Irish government’s review suggests that the operators of the gas fields could be paid to leave a certain volume of gas in the ground, instead of running the field dry this decade.
The review was initiated in 2019 when the government realized that Ireland’s power system was expected to return to a near-complete reliance on gas imports by the end of the decade, as reserves in the Corrib gas field are expected to run out.
The review also proposes the establishment of significant gas storage in Ireland, likely at the depleted Kinsale gas field which was decommissioned last year, where gas could be imported and pumped underground into the natural caverns.
A state-owned “non-commercial” LNG terminal is also suggested for the purpose of supplying gas backup to existing supply infrastructure.
The review, carried out by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, was first commissioned in 2019 by then-minister Richard Bruton to assess the security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems. It will ultimately dictate the Government’s final policy on LNG terminals.
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