News Update 03.03.2025

• The Irish Examiner reveals that EirGrid has made notable progress on the Celtic Interconnector, a 500km subsea electricity link between Ireland and France. Expected to be completed by 2026, the project will boost energy security and support renewable energy. Michael Mahon, EirGrid's chief infrastructure officer, credits the progress to strong collaboration and community support. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41584591.html#:~:text=Trenching%20and%20ducting%20works%20are,the%20project%20to%20strong%20collaboration.?

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• In a report by RTé, Storm éowyn left nearly 770,000 people without power in January, revealing energy grid vulnerabilities as more homes switch to renewable energy. Experts stress the importance of resilience, and innovations like passive houses show promise. Despite setbacks, there is growing interest in sustainable housing to improve energy efficiency and resilience. https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0303/1499810-storm-eowyn-renewable-energy/?

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• According to the Irish Independent, Ireland saw record gas demand on January 8 due to low temperatures and high electricity needs. Despite disruptions from Storm éowyn, the gas network remained resilient. January's gas demand rose 17% from December. Gas Networks Ireland's Director, Edwina Nyhan, praised the network's stability. Gas provided 42% of electricity during the storm.?https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/gas-demand-hit-new-record-during-januarys-snow-days/a262634261.html?

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• The Business Post reports that the Irish government will approve a €300 million state-led LNG terminal as an emergency gas reserve. Gas Networks Ireland will lead the project, purchasing a floating facility. Regular refilling will be needed, with some gas sold commercially. The project aims to enhance energy security amid declining domestic supply and external threats. https://www.businesspost.ie/article/government-to-approve-irelands-first-lng-facility-in-e300m-state-led-project/?

• RTé provides some tips on how to prepare for power outages like those caused by Storm éowyn: install a changeover switch to safely connect a generator, consider petrol/diesel generators or electric cars with V2L for backup power, and use home-solar batteries charged before storms. The report noted that gas is a more efficient and cost-effective option for backup heating and cooking compared to electric heaters. https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2025/0303/1499855-ireland-electricity-backup-storms-outages-changeover-switch-generators-electric-cars-solar-panels/?

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• Highlighted by the Irish Independent, Adrian Costigan, a native of Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny, has been appointed as the new managing director of Woodco Renewable Energy. With over 20 years of experience in energy, sustainability, and technology innovation, Costigan will lead the expansion of Woodco's biomass and solar energy divisions.?https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kilkenny/news/kilkenny-man-appointed-as-new-managing-director-of-irish-renewable-energy-company/a1966663735.html?

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• Reuters discusses Europe's gas market volatility as it prepares for summer restocking amid tighter global LNG supplies. Winter demand surged, depleting inventories to 39% capacity. Europe's reliance on LNG imports, with the end of Russian pipeline supplies, creates competition with Asia. Warmer weather and potential regulatory changes may impact prices, but greater price volatility is expected. https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/europes-lng-summer-buying-binge-puts-market-razor-edge-2025-03-03/?

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