Gas Networks Ireland advances decarbonisation with €200 million upgrade of compressor stations

Gas Networks Ireland is progressing a major infrastructure investment that will significantly reduce the company’s operational greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening the resilience of Ireland’s energy network. The €200 million project will see the decarbonisation of two compressor stations in south-west Scotland that play a critical role in Ireland’s gas supply system.

Gas Networks Ireland’s Scotland project

Located at Beattock and Brighouse Bay, the compressor stations are integral to the interconnector network linking Ireland and Great Britain. They facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the transmission system and support the delivery of approximately 80% of Ireland’s natural gas requirements. As essential components of the network, the stations maintain the pressure required to move gas safely and efficiently over long distances.

The project involves replacing existing gas turbine-driven compressor systems with modern Electric Motor Drive (EMD) technology. Widely deployed across European gas transmission networks, EMD systems use electricity rather than combustion engines to power compressors, eliminating on-site combustion emissions and significantly reducing the environmental impact of operations.

Sustainability milestone

The investment represents a major milestone in Gas Networks Ireland’s sustainability programme and is expected to reduce the organisation’s operational greenhouse gas emissions by 42%. In addition to lowering carbon dioxide emissions, the new technology will reduce other atmospheric pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and methane emissions associated with traditional compressor operations.

The environmental benefits of the project will increase further as electricity systems continue to decarbonise. By enabling compressor operations to utilise renewable electricity, the upgrade aligns with broader national and European climate objectives and supports Ireland’s transition to a lower-carbon energy system.

The initiative also contributes to Gas Networks Ireland’s wider target of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. Alongside investments in renewable gas infrastructure, including biomethane and hydrogen readiness, the project demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to decarbonising both its operations and the wider energy system.

Improving energy security

Beyond emissions reductions, the upgrade will deliver important operational benefits. Electric motor drive technology provides greater flexibility, efficiency and reliability than conventional gas turbine systems, enhancing the long-term resilience of critical infrastructure. Improved operational performance will support the continued secure delivery of energy to homes, businesses and industry across Ireland. Subject to regulatory approvals, the upgraded facilities are expected to become operational by 2030.

As Ireland continues its transition towards a net-zero energy future, projects such as this highlight the important role that infrastructure modernisation can play in reducing emissions while maintaining security of supply. Although much of this work takes place behind the scenes, investments in strategic energy assets are helping to build a cleaner, more efficient and more resilient energy system for future generations.

Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s 14,781km national gas network, including two subsea interconnectors linking Ireland and Scotland. The network continues to play a vital role in Ireland’s energy system while evolving to accommodate increasing volumes of renewable gases and support the country’s climate ambitions.

Gas Networks Ireland
W: www.gasnetworks.ie