Ansaldo Energia Bags Gas Turbine Contract for Irish Peaker Plant

Wedoany.com Report-Jun 6, Ansaldo Energia and Kilshane Energy Ltd. have partnered to develop a 300MW gas peaker plant in Kilshane, Dublin, to enhance Ireland’s grid stability. Under the agreement, Ansaldo Energia will supply an AE94.3A gas turbine in open-cycle configuration, paired with a generator, designed to respond rapidly to fluctuations in electricity demand. The plant, set to be commissioned in 2028, will support Ireland’s growing reliance on renewable energy sources.

The AE94.3A turbine’s ability to quickly adjust to grid needs makes it well-suited to complement variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This flexibility ensures reliable power during peak demand and provides mechanical inertia to maintain grid stability, addressing frequency fluctuations and imbalances.

Brian McMullan, project lead for Kilshane Energy Ltd., stated: “This project is about resilience and flexibility. As Ireland moves towards a net zero energy system, we need reliable backup generation to complement the growing renewable fleet. The technology from Ansaldo Energia is not only flexible and robust, but it also offers a future pathway to decarbonisation, with the potential for hydrogen blending and other low-carbon fuels.”

Ireland’s energy strategy includes expanding flexible gas-powered plants to support its transition from coal and ensure energy security. The government aims to install 2GW of such plants to provide reserve capacity, enabling stable integration of renewable energy. The Kilshane project aligns with this goal, bolstering the grid’s reliability as renewable energy capacity grows.

In addition to the Kilshane plant, Ansaldo Energia is involved in two other projects in Ireland using AE94.3A technology. The Poolbeg plant, located near Dublin and developed by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), was announced in July 2024 and is expected to be operational by 2027. The second, the Tarbert Next Generation Power Station, developed by SSE Thermal, was announced in February 2025. These initiatives reflect a coordinated effort to strengthen Ireland’s energy infrastructure while advancing sustainable energy goals.