The Government of Ireland has approved the development of a state-led strategic gas emergency reserve to enhance energy security.
This initiative aligns with Ireland’s transition to renewable energy and ensures compliance with EU N-1 Infrastructure Standard regulation.
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The reserve will be developed in the form of a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), which will be owned by Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) on behalf of the state.
This will help ensure that, in the event of a disruption to the largest gas infrastructure, the remaining infrastructure can meet total gas demand during exceptional demand days.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems, approved in the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 plan in November 2023.
This plan encompasses 28 actions around sustainability, affordability and security, outlining the country’s goals to transform its energy system while supporting climate objectives.
Action 17 tasked GNI with reviewing and recommending the optimal approach for the strategic gas emergency reserve, which is critical for maintaining energy security as Ireland shifts towards domestic renewable energy sources.
Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “The approval of this approach represents the culmination of extensive research, analysis and engagement in relation to Ireland’s energy security needs. As a small island nation reliant on interconnection, our exposure to potential disruption to gas supplies presents a significant risk to our energy security, and the continuity of supply to businesses and households across Ireland.
“This emergency reserve will provide an alternative source of gas at an appropriate scale if Ireland was to experience such an interruption.”
The FSRU development aligns with the country’s climate law, serving as a transitional measure to minimise stranded fossil fuel assets, intended for emergency use only, without increasing gas demand.
O’Brien added: “Our view remains that long-term energy security is best achieved through substantial growth in indigenous clean, renewable energy; improvements in energy efficiency; electrification of heat and transport; and increased electrical interconnection with our European neighbours. This will minimise the imports of fossil energy in the long term.
“In the meantime, the development of a state-led, strategic reserve will ensure the continuity of gas supply as an essential transitional energy security measure.”
