Cork chosen by Bord Gáis and Mitsubishi in plans to build Europe's first ammonia plant
The Whitegate Oil Refinery, Co Cork. Picture: Denis Scannell
Bord Gáis Energy and Mitsubishi Power are considering plans to build the first ammonia-fuelled electricity generator in Europe, located at the energy company's power station in Whitegate, Co Cork.
The project is being led by Bord Gáis' parent company, Centrica, which also owns British Gas in the UK, with the energy giant saying on Wednesday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Power Europe to explore the development of the ammonia-fired plant, of which there is only one other in the world.
The trio are establishing a project team to begin assessing the plan’s feasibility, and according to the statement, if that has a successful outcome, they will begin extensive talks with local groups.
The companies describes low-carbon ammonia as a clean and sustainable fuel source that generates electricity, provides security of supply and cuts greenhouse gas emmisson.
According to the statement, "low-carbon ammonia has a higher volumetric density than hydrogen, also enabling the utilisation of low carbon hydrogen," adding that its use as a fuel is a "promising long-term energy solution" for the transition to a low-carbon energy value chain.
The Whitegate site "would serve as a global demonstration site for ammonia-fired power generation technology," according to Bord Gáis and Mitsubishi, with Centrica Energy's trading update to source the fuel.
The deal "represents a significant step in advancing our commitment to a sustainable and low-emission energy landscape," said Bord Gáis Energy Managing Director, Dave Kirwan.
"The strategic combination of Centrica’s vision, investment and global trading capability, along with Mitsubishi Power Europe’s innovation and technology, complemented by Bord Gáis Energy’s existing assets will effectively drive the success of this transformative project.”
Centrica’s group chief executive, Chris O'Shea added that the energy giant believed that “all energy can be green energy”.
Javier Cavada, President and chief executive of Mitsubishi Power EMEA called the plans a "It is truly a leap forward toward a cleaner, greener energy future, enabled by Europe's first ammonia-fired power generation facility utilising low carbon ammonia.”
