Gas Networks Ireland has confirmed that it has secured EUR 6.4 million in European Union (EU) funding for Gas transport Network roll-out and biomethane gas-to-grid injection.
Gas Networks Ireland, the operator of the Irish gas network, has confirmed that it has secured EUR 6.4 million in European Union (EU) funding that will enable it to develop the first 14 stations of a planned network of 70 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations around the country.
In addition to this, the funding will also support the construction of a renewable gas injection point, and provide support to commercial vehicle owners wishing to purchase dedicated CNG vehicles, ensuring that renewable gas will become part of Ireland’s transport fuel mix.
From early 2017, commercial users will be able to switch from vehicles powered by heavy emission fuels, such as diesel, to a cleaner gas alternative. The network will include public filling stations and a number of private stations, with the latter developed in partnership with heavy fuel users.
The development of the new Compressed Natural Gas Network will commence before the end of 2016, with the first stations opening in early 2017. The network will be delivered along the main transport corridors, principally the motorway network.
Partner search
Under the programme, Gas Networks Ireland will be looking for partners to integrate CNG equipment into conventional forecourts throughout the country. This designated fuelling infrastructure will allow CNG to be delivered from fast-fill dispensers, with similar fill times to diesel and petrol.
Grant funding to assist in the purchase of CNG-powered vehicles will focus on heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s) and buses. Further details on this funding will be outlined in early 2017.
– We are delighted to confirm the approval of funding from the EU Commission for the roll-out of a transformative energy network for Irish commercial road users. Not only will this help fund the development of a network of CNG stations, it is an important vote of confidence in the project. The inclusion of a specific provision for the development of a renewable gas injection point will be another important step in transforming the gas network. Renewable gas will play an even more important role, providing a carbon neutral fuel for the future of our country, said Denis O’Sullivan, Head of Commercial, Gas Networks Ireland in a statement.
The EU funding will also include a research element, for which Gas Networks Ireland will work with The National University of Ireland Galway. This study, named the Causeway Study, will investigate the outcome of rolling out Compressed Natural Gas stations in the Irish network. The goal being to further advance the deployment of cleaner fuel technologies.
