Irish grid operator backs EU call for more green gases

Irish gas grid operator Gas Networks Ireland has said it welcomed the European Commission (EC)'s plan to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian gas, partly by ramping up use of renewable gases.

In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EC has unveiled a plan to reduce EU purchases of Russian gas by as much as two thirds within a year. Gas Networks Ireland said it welcomed the EC's call for increased production and use of renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen. These gases will help meet climate action targets and reduce the bloc's reliance on fossil fuels, it said.

"Gas Networks Ireland's vision is to replace natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen on Ireland's existing gas infrastructure, which will help to substantially reduce Ireland's carbon emissions while ensuring a secure energy supply, in the least disruptive most cost-effective manner," the operator said.

Irish natural gas production is in decline, and the government predicts that the country will be more than 90% reliant on imports by 2030, as a result of Corrib and other key fields reaching depletion. Gas Networks Ireland launched a hydrogen testing facility in west Dublin in 2020, and is assessing ways that hydrogen can be blended into gas grids to account to up to 20% of the total volume.