BnM propose gas power plant near Rochfortbridge
Bord na Móna are moving forward with plans for the development of a gas-fired power plant on a 22.8 hectare site at Derrygreenagh, near Rhode.
The project would include the construction of an underground gas pipeline to supply the plant, to be located on former peat-farming land between Rhode and Rochfortbridge, on the Offaly side.
In the Dáil last week, Offaly TD Barry Cowen said he “welcomed the 650MW gas plant at Derrygreenagh”.
To give context to that figure, a generating capacity of 650MW at the proposed Derrygreenagh plant would be more than double the combined output of the former peat-fired power plants at Shannonbridge and Lanesboro.
Bord na Móna are currently in the process of hiring a specialist contractor to carry out site investigation work related to the proposed plant, which would be spread across the Derrygreenagh group of bogs, including Derryhinch, Drumman, Derryarkin and Ballybeg.
According to tender documents, the company hope to have a contractor in place before the end of March to begin carrying out site investigation.
Bord na Móna Powergen Limited have also recently submitted a request to An Bord Pleanála for a ‘pre-application consultation’ on the development.
Lodged with An Bord Pleanála on Friday February 24, it states that the proposed plant would comprise a combined cycle gas turbine unit and an open cycle gas turbine unit.
Tendering documents from Bord na Móna do not outline the proposed route of the gas pipeline to the plant. It will be provided “as and when available”.
The documents also state that “electrical grid connection works” are proposed on “a combination of land owned by Bord na Móna and privately owned farmland”.
The R400 road “intersects the planned development site for the plant,” which consists of a 17.5 hectare area on the east side of the R400, and a 5.3 hectare area on the west side of the R400, the company said.
“The two areas combine to a 22.8 hectare site. The main power plant installation is planned for the 17.5 ha area (the Main Site). The 5.3 ha area will accommodate a 220 kV substation.”
Bord na Móna added that the site at Derrygreenagh “was used previously as a base for peat harvesting operations and has had an office, stores, workshop complex and hardstanding areas in situ since the 1950s”.
They said “the existing activities” there “will be relocated to another Bord na Móna premises prior to the development of the plant on the site”.
When the company’s plans were discussed in the Dáil last week, Deputy Barry Cowen outlined large-scale projects in Offaly.
“I note the commitment of Bord na Móna to Edenderry Power to ensure that their role is continued by virtue of a €90 million investment,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.
“I welcome the 650 MW gas plant at Derrygreenagh. I am closely monitoring progress on the proposed energy park encompassing 3,000 ha of land in counties Offaly, Westmeath and Meath, where zero-carbon energy generation assets will locate with industrial-scale, high-demand energy users, such as data centres and storage facilities.
“I am aware of the impending cessation of operations at the briquette factory in Derrinlough, which is the last original core activity. I am conscious of the ongoing talks between management and unions to ensure relocation and training options are agreed.”