Multi-million euro Mayo gas peaking power plant plans before council

PLANS for a multi-million euro energy project in north Mayo are before the local authority for approval.

The open cycle gas turbine peaking plant will be based at Croaghaun West and Srahnkilly, Bellacorrick, and the developers are Constant Energy Ltd.

If given the green light, it will consist of a 114 megawatt gas-fired peaking power plant, which will be capable of running on a mix of natural gas and hydrogen, comprising the 'electricity generating station'.

The company has submitted an application for planning approval to Mayo County Council.

The site covers 4.35 hectares, at an abandoned farmstead nearly two kilometres from Bellacorrick village.

The permission sought is for a period of 25 years.

Documentation submitted to Mayo County Council sets out how the proposed electrical connection to the grid will be via a 110kv cable from a substation on the site to the existing Bellacorrick 110kV substation, and on to the national grid.

There will also be an underground gas pipeline delivering natural gas to a gas injection compound on site.

These would be subject to separate planning consents.

The company has previously received approval for a 200 megawatt natural gas fired peaking power plant at the location.

The proposed peaking plant will comprise of two open cycle gas turbines, with a total installed capacity of up to 114mw electric. They will be supplied with natural gas from a spur off the gas transmission network.

They can also operate using a blend of hydrogen, which can be supplied from a neighbouring hydrogen plant, currently under consideration by the council.

Natural gas would be the primary fuel source, the documentation sets out, with the option of using hydrogen from the proposed adjoining plant.

Subject to securing planning, construction would start in 2024, with the plant fully operational by 2026.