Energy Crisis

One third of emergency power generation at risk from outdated infrastructure

Eirgrid and ESB look at alternatives as substation at Shannonbridge power plant found to be in significant disrepair

Doubts surround the viability of Eirgrid’s plans for Shannonbridge due to the condition of the energy substation at the site. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall

More than a third of the emergency power generation that Eirgrid planned to have in place by next winter may not be delivered on time due to faulty infrastructure at one of the key sites it has selected, the Business Post can reveal.

Over the last month, the national grid operator has awarded contracts to both ESB and SSE to operate 450 megawatts (MW) of emergency power generators at Shannonbridge in Co Offaly and Tarbert ...