Bord Gáis Energy and Mitsubishi Power are actively considering the establishment of Europe's inaugural ammonia-fuelled electricity generator at the Irish company's site in Whitegate, Co Cork. Centrica, the owner of the Irish energy company, publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange, announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Power Europe. This agreement outlines their joint exploration of the construction and operation of an ammonia-fired plant, potentially making it Europe's first and one of only two globally employing low-carbon fuel for electricity generation.

The proposed facility is set to be situated at Whitegate, where Bord Gáis Energy already operates a gas-fired electricity plant. Centrica Energy and Bord Gáis, in collaboration with Mitsubishi Power, will form a project team tasked with assessing the feasibility of the plan. If the preliminary assessments prove successful, the next phase involves extensive discussions with local stakeholders and communities.

According to their joint statement, low-carbon ammonia is positioned as a clean and sustainable fuel that not only generates electricity but also significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to enhanced security of energy supply. Whitegate is envisioned as a "global demonstration site for ammonia-fired power generation technology," and Centrica Energy's trading network is slated to be the source for the fuel required for the plant.

Dave Kirwan, Managing Director of Bord Gáis, expressed confidence in the success of the project, citing the synergies between Centrica's capabilities, Mitsubishi Power's cutting-edge technology, and Bord Gáis Energy's existing assets.

Chris O'Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, conveyed the belief that "all energy can be green energy," underscoring the company's commitment to environmentally sustainable initiatives. Javier Cavada, President and Chief Executive of Mitsubishi Power for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted their position as a trailblazer in developing technology that directly utilizes ammonia for power generation. Mitsubishi Power operates as a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a prominent Japanese multinational.

Centrica, beyond its ownership of Bord Gáis Energy, is also the parent company of British Gas, playing a pivotal role in supplying energy and services to 10 million homes and businesses across Ireland and Britain. The collaboration between Bord Gáis Energy, Mitsubishi Power, and Centrica signifies a strategic move toward cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices within the energy generation sector. As the project progresses, it holds the promise of not only being a pioneering endeavor in Europe but also contributing significantly to the global advancement of clean and sustainable energy solutions.