With the Corrib gas field, which started commercial extraction operations in 2016, now reaching the end of its useful life, researchers have given the group that operates the field several options for its future use.

The operators, Vermilion and Nephin Energy, asked engineering consultancy Worley to assess how best the infrastructure and field, which sits off the west coast of Ireland, can be re-purposed, according to several local media outlets.

The study looked at about 20 options, all involving renewable energy, including wind, wave, energy storage, hydrogen, and various types of e-fuels, trying to identify areas that could then be examined in more detail.

Corrib provides about 20 per cent of Ireland’s annual natural gas, with the rest of the demand met by imports.

According to a Nephin Energy executive, the aim of the research was to identify the most promising proposals, with research taking into account the such factors as existing infrastructure and the local skilled workforce.

The research reported identified several good options, particularly transitioning to wind energy and developing hydrogen power. The operators will now carry out further research themselves to determine viability.

In 2022, Vermilion Energy and Nephin Energy, started looking into the feasibility of a renewable energy hub at Corrib, as part of a separate analysis.

The field could still be producing gas for about another five years, but would need large investments and new infrastructure to do so.

In early 2023, Equinor finally closed the sale of non-operated stake of 36.5% in Corrib to Vermilion Energy for total consideration of $434m.