- Planning permission granted for the decarbonisation of Gas Networks Ireland’s Beattock and Brighouse Bay compressor stations in South West Scotland
- The strategically important compressor stations play a critical role in Ireland’s energy security, with almost 80 per cent of the country’s natural gas requirements passing through the sites
- The decarbonisation project will reduce GNI's operational greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent
Gas Networks Ireland has reached a major milestone in its €200 million investment to decarbonise its compressor stations at Beattock and Brighouse Bay in South West Scotland following the granting of planning permission by Dumfries & Galloway Council for new Electric Motor Drives (EMDs). The new EMDs will reduce emissions from the operation of the compressor stations.
The two compressor stations are critical to Ireland’s energy security, enabling gas to be transported from Scotland. Almost 80 per cent of Ireland’s natural gas requirements passes through these stations, where gas is compressed to maintain the pressure needed to transport it through Gas Networks Ireland’s subsea interconnectors and into Ireland’s gas network.
First announced in March 2026, the decarbonisation project will see new Electric Motor Drives (EMDs) installed at both compressor stations, replacing existing gas turbine-driven compressors with zero-emission electric technology powered by renewable electricity.
Once operational, the project will reduce Gas Networks Ireland’s operational greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent – or 87,000 tonnes of CO₂e - while maintaining the resilience and reliability of this critical infrastructure.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Assets and Infrastructure, Brian Sheehan said:
“We welcome the decision by Dumfries & Galloway Council to grant planning permission for this project. The Beattock and Brighouse Bay compressor stations play a vital role in Ireland’s energy security, enabling the safe and reliable transportation of gas from Scotland to Ireland. Around 80 per cent of the gas we use in Ireland passes through these stations.
“This €200 million investment demonstrates our commitment to decarbonising our own operations, while continuing to provide the safe, secure and reliable gas infrastructure that underpins Ireland’s energy security.
“The planning permission is a positive step forward in delivering this infrastructure and we continue to work closely with stakeholders in Ireland and Scotland as the project progresses.”
The procurement process for the Electric Motor Drives is also progressing, with the new equipment expected to become operational in 2030.
The project forms part of Gas Networks Ireland’s wider programme to reduce emissions from its own operations while supporting Ireland’s transition to a net zero carbon energy system.
