Centrica has announced the next phase of its investment program in Ireland, increasing its flexible electricity generation capacity by 50% to 1GW. This expansion aims to enhance Ireland’s energy security while supporting system-wide decarbonization.
In January, Centrica’s subsidiary, Bord Gáis Energy, secured a 10-year capacity market contract for a 334MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) power station in Galway. Designed to operate on biomethane or a hydrogen blend, this facility will serve as critical infrastructure for Ireland’s energy landscape. The power station’s revenues will be supported by an annual capacity payment of €56 million, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in 2026 and commercial operations beginning in 2029.
Additionally, Bord Gáis Energy has secured a 5-year capacity market contract for its existing 445MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Whitegate power station in Cork. The contract will provide an annual capacity payment of €50 million starting in October 2028, reinforcing the station’s long-term financial stability.
“These new contracts will underpin projects that bring Centrica’s total investment in Ireland’s energy security to €1 billion in just five years,” said Chris O’Shea, Centrica Group Chief Executive. “This aligns with our strategy to invest in flexible assets that accelerate the energy transition while ensuring a secure energy supply.”
The new investments build upon Centrica’s ongoing collaboration with the Irish Government and regulatory authorities to enhance energy security. The company is also advancing two hydrogen-capable, 100MW flexible gas power stations in Athlone and Dublin, both of which are set to begin exporting to the grid later this year.