Friday, 03 October 2025
Supporting Winter Electricity Supply in Northern Ireland Kilroot Power Station in Northern Ireland may need to be temporarily exempted from environmental operating limits this winter to help maintain electricity supply, following unexpected outages at two other major power stations. The station has two gas-fired turbines, which are currently subject to a restriction allowing them to […]
Kilroot Power Station in Northern Ireland may need to be temporarily exempted from environmental operating limits this winter to help maintain electricity supply, following unexpected outages at two other major power stations.
The station has two gas-fired turbines, which are currently subject to a restriction allowing them to run for only 1,500 hours per year, a limit set by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to help meet greenhouse gas emissions targets.
However, these turbines have already been used heavily this year due to prolonged outages at Ballylumford and Coolkeeragh power stations. As a result, Kilroot’s turbines are now nearing their permitted annual limit.
The operator of Northern Ireland’s electricity grid, System Operator NI (SONI), said it is working with the Utility Regulator and the Department for the Economy (DfE) to “unlock restrictions to ensure there is sufficient generation” capacity available this winter.
In a statement, the Department for the Economy said it is “prepared to use all levers available to government” to address the issue. A spokesperson added: “The department has been working with several key stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, to ensure mitigations are put in place to maintain security of supply.
“Security of supply is a key priority,” the department added, saying it will continue to work with the energy industry to ensure the resilience of the system.
Northern Ireland’s carbon budgets, introduced under the Climate Change Act, aim to reduce emissions in line with international targets. However, rigid caps on power station operation can create inflexibility in times of need. This raises the question of whether future climate policies should include contingency protocols that allow for temporary adjustments under strict oversight.
Earlier this week, SONI issued a four-day system alert, citing a “heightened risk” to electricity supply. Although the alert was lifted on Friday, SONI warned that further alerts may be issued during the winter as demand increases.
SONI explained that system alerts do not immediately impact electricity users but are intended to signal increased risk and allow operators to take pre-planned actions to maintain the grid’s stability.
SONI described 2025 as a “challenging year operationally,” pointing to the extended outage at Ballylumford, caused by storm damage during Storm Darragh in December, which extended into March, and a “significantly extended maintenance outage” at Coolkeeragh.
These conditions have led to increased reliance on Kilroot, whose turbines are now approaching their regulatory operating limit.
“We are continuing to work closely with power station operators, the Utility Regulator and the Department for the Economy to unlock restrictions to ensure there is sufficient generation to meet system needs and consumer demands as we head into the winter peak,” SONI said.
The operational cap on Kilroot’s gas turbines is part of Northern Ireland’s wider strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as set out in the Climate Change Act and supporting carbon budgets.
While natural gas is less polluting than oil, it remains a fossil fuel. Restrictions on usage are calculated to help Northern Ireland meet its environmental targets.
However, the current situation highlights how fragile the energy system can become under pressure, particularly during unplanned outages.
Analysts suggest this underscores the need for more investment in local, renewable energy sources and improved storage solutions, which could reduce the system’s reliance on fossil fuel plants during peak demand periods.
The situation at Kilroot power station highlights the delicate balance between maintaining energy security and meeting environmental commitments in Northern Ireland. As critical infrastructure like Ballylumford and Coolkeeragh experience extended outages, the strain on remaining power stations becomes more acute.
Temporary exemptions from environmental limits may be necessary to ensure electricity supply during the winter months, but such measures underline the urgency of investing in more resilient, sustainable energy systems. Long-term solutions, such as enhanced renewable capacity, energy storage, and smarter grid management, will be essential to reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based generation while safeguarding the reliability of the power supply.
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