Energy Infrastructure

Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Questions (99)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how frequently the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the proposed floating storage and regasification unit will need to be replenished, if approved, given the inevitable boil-off of LNG over time; where this gas will be sourced; what measures will be taken to minimise the frequency of this occurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23620/24]

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Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Government approved and published the 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report last November which concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems. With regard to gas, the report determines that as a transitional measure, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.

Natural evaporation, known as boil-off, is unavoidable when natural gas is liquified, and the generated boil-off gas (BOG) must be removed to preserve the tanks’ pressure. Rather than flare or release the BOG into the atmosphere, normal practice is to utilise the gas by flowing it into the gas network. Due to boil-off of stock levels, the requirement to restock an FSRU will be dependent on the overall usage of the gas, and storage capacity of the infrastructure.

Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve based on specific criteria determined by my Department. In the event that an FSRU is deemed the most appropriate method to deliver the strategic gas emergency reserve, the effective management of Boil Off Gas will be a key consideration with both the source and frequency of replenishment designed to ensure safety, operational efficiency and adherence to Climate commitments and the Fracked Gas Policy.