Energy watchdog calls for new gas stations to underpin move to renewables

The CRU has warned that two gigawatts of power generation would be needed as a safety net to prevent blackouts

The CRU recently warned of “rolling blackouts” unless urgent action is taken on the “unprecedented” growth of electricity demand from data centres. Picture: Bord Gais

Ireland will need new gas powered electricity stations generating “at least” two gigawatts of power over the next few years to close the gap between energy supply and demand, the energy regulator has said.

Speaking at the Oireachtas committee on Environment and Climate Action last week, representatives from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) addressed the country’s ongoing electricity supply crisis.

Members of the CRU highlighted the “essential underpinning” role of gas in a ...