With the Corrib gas field, which started commercial extraction operations in 2016, now reaching the end of its useful life, researchers have given the group that operates the field several options for its future use. The operators, Vermilion and Nephin Energy, asked engineering consultancy Worley to assess how best the infrastructure and field, which sits off the west coast of Ireland, can be re-purposed, according to several local media outlets.
The study looked at about 20 options, all involving renewable energy, including wind, wave, energy storage, hydrogen, and various types of e-fuels, trying to identify areas that could then be examined in more detail.
A New Life for Corrib: Wind and Hydrogen
The research reported identified several good options, particularly transitioning to wind energy and developing hydrogen power. The operators will now carry out further research themselves to determine viability.
The gasfield contributes about 20 per cent of Ireland’s annual natural gas demands. The gasfield is operated by Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland with joint venture partners Equinor and Nephin Energy.
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure and Expertise
According to a Nephin Energy executive, the aim of the research was to identify the most promising proposals, with research taking into account the such factors as existing infrastructure and the local skilled workforce.
“These include its substantial brownfield footprint in northwest Connacht, direct access to the Gas Networks Ireland gas transmission network, proximity to significant onshore and offshore wind energy potential, and an experienced workforce with a proven track record in the safe operation of one of Ireland’s largest pieces of energy infrastructure,” he said.
Corrib's Role in Ireland's Energy Transition
Mr O’Brien stressed that successful implementation of a repurposing project would “ensure that Corrib’s infrastructure, originally developed at a cost of more than €3 billion would continue to play a vital role in Ireland’s energy transition long after the natural gas is gone”.
The partners recently asked Worley, a leading international engineering consultancy, to carry out a study assessing the best approaches to repurpose and reuse the field as well as the Bellanaboy Gas Terminal infrastructure over the coming years.
A Promising Future
The Corrib facility presents “numerous advantages for Ireland’s energy transition and the economic development of the west of Ireland”, said Vermilion Ireland managing director Jarlath Trench.
The goal was to identify “the most promising proposals for further analysis and development”, said Nephin Energy chief executive Tom O’Brien.
He said a key focus was on leveraging Corrib’s “unique advantages”, including its large industrial footprint, with its dedicated access to Gas Networks Ireland’s pipeline system, as well as its location in an area with the highest wind potential in Ireland and its “experienced, skilled workforce”.
Worley’s analysis identified “several front-runner options, particularly involving wind energy and hydrogen”, he said.
The group of companies behind the field is now going to conduct further studies to assess the technical and commercial viability of the options identified, he added.
The field could still be producing gas for about another five years, but would need large investments and new infrastructure to do so.
In 2022, Vermilion Energy and Nephin Energy, started looking into the feasibility of a renewable energy hub at Corrib, as part of a separate analysis.
In early 2023, Equinor finally closed the sale of non-operated stake of 36.5% in Corrib to Vermilion Energy for total consideration of $434m.
