QUINN-energy received full planning permission on May 30th, 2008 to build a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant in Toomes, Co. Louth.
The 450MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power plant will use natural gas to fuel the generation of electrical energy. The process itself is both highly advanced and efficient. Air and natural gas will be mixed together and burned in a combustion chamber within the turbine. This process produces a very high energy, which will rotate the turbine. A generator attached to the turbine produces electricity. The waste heat from the gas turbine is then recovered to make steam to generate additional electricity via a separate steam turbine. The steam is also recycled in the Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) and converted back to water so that it can be re-used in the Heat Recovery Steam Generator all over again. Conventional open cycle power plants do not incorporate a waste heat recovery step.
This project will enhance the diverse portfolio of QUINN-energy, which already includes renewable generation in counties Cavan, Fermanagh and Armagh. The plant will generate essential additional energy capacity providing enough electricity to power approximately 135,000 homes.
QUINN-energy has brought together a broad-based collaboration of highly skilled and experienced developers, engineers, environmental consultants and solicitors experienced in the permitting, licensing, engineering, construction and operation of power generation facilities both in Ireland and abroad.
The power plant will provide 8% of Ireland's energy requirements in 2011 replacing older less efficient power plants. The development will also introduce much needed competition into the energy market and contribute significantly to wealth generation in the local economy through annual rates and the purchase of locally available goods and services. In addition the construction phase of the project will employ up to 500 workers with approximately 36 professional permanent positions generated in the long-term.
QUINN-energy is committed to achieving the highest standards possible and strives to achieve full regulatory compliance in the operation of this project.
Construction is expected to commence in late Spring 2009 and it is anticipated that the facility will be fully operational in 2011.
