Kilshane Energy has submitted a strategic infrastructure development application to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a 680 MW flexible peaking gas turbine power plant at its 67-acre site in Kilshane, Dublin 11, two kilometres northwest of the M50. The proposed phase two development comprises two gas turbine power generation stations of up to 340 MW each, designed to provide reliable backup generation during periods of high electricity demand and low renewable supply.

RTÉ reported that planning consultants JSA Planning, in the application letter, described the flexible peaking plant as a gas turbine system that can quickly dispatch power to balance fluctuating electricity demand caused by intermittent renewable generation, and that the proposed development would act as a reliable source of backup generation when system margins are tight.

JSA Planning stated that the new plant is forecast to displace the running of existing higher carbon-emitting units including oil-fired generators, resulting in a net reduction in carbon emissions, and that the technology chosen will help facilitate a higher penetration of renewable generation being dispatched onto the grid.

The application supports the Climate Action Plan 2025 target to provide at least 2 GW of new flexible gas capacity by 2030. Third parties have until 21 July to make submissions to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Kilshane Energy previously secured planning permission for phase one of its scheme, a 293 MW open cycle gas turbine plant with a project value of €250 million, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028. Construction is under way on phase one, with 200 construction staff currently on site.

Read the full report on Kilshane Energy's 680 MW power plant application.