Kilroot owners announce plans for £600m energy park

by Q Radio News

The new owners of Kilroot Power Station in County Antrim have outlined plans for a new £600 million energy park. 

'EPUK Investments' has proposed the development for the Kilroot site near Carrickfergus. 

The plans, which are at an early concept stage, would represent the largest ever single investment in electricity generation in Northern Ireland. 

If taken forward, the Kilroot Energy Park vision, would have the potential to generate up to 440MW of lower carbon and renewable energy, which is enough to power 500,000 homes.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim said, "the investment in the site would also safeguard hundreds of jobs and mark a historic milestone in the decarbonisation of electricity generation in Northern Ireland." 

Commenting on today’s publication of the Kilroot Energy Park vision, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said:

“The scale of this potential investment and the vision outlined is incredible and I commend EPUKI for this outstanding work.

“This is brilliant news for Mid and East Antrim, and Northern Ireland, in terms of leading the way in the transformation of our energy services.

“Coming from a power generation background, it makes me extremely proud to see my hometown of Carrickfergus at the leading edge of innovation and investment for energy production.

“The masterplan unveiled today positions our area as the powerhouse for Northern Ireland and would result in the generation of ever-cleaner energy, substantial investment and employment - supporting our Council’s number one strategic priority, the economic growth of our borough.”

Meanwhile, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said: “I’m hugely impressed by the plans outlined today which would secure Northern Ireland’s energy supply for many years to come.

“A secure energy supply is vital for sustainability and to attract inward investment.

“This would be a game-changer for Mid and East Antrim and I congratulate all those involved in getting this project to the concept stage, including EPUKI, their stakeholders, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and my party colleague Billy Ashe, who chairs Council’s Energy Committee and has been a driving force behind the transformation of this key site.”

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Chief Executive Anne Donaghy said: “It is crucial to our Borough’s economy that we remain energy creators for the region, and today’s announcement of an investment of up to £600million is hugely positive for our economic growth plans in Mid and East Antrim.

“We are excited by EPUKI’s vision to provide cleaner energy to up to 500,000 homes.

“I commend EPUKI and our Elected Members, who have worked so hard to ensure that Mid and East Antrim remains key to Northern Ireland’s energy sector.”

EPUKI Commercial Director Ian Luney said: “Everyone involved with EPUKI is excited about taking this vision forward. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but the transition away from coal to lower carbon and renewable energy generation presents an incredible opportunity to transform the site.

“In the coming months and years we will further develop the proposals and in doing so we will engage with local stakeholders and elected representatives, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Stormont.

“Above all, we want people in the local area to understand that EPUKI is committed to investing in the site and its long-term future, to ensure it continues generating electricity for homes and businesses across Northern Ireland.”