Coolpowra FlexGen
Coolpowra FlexGen Limited is applying for planning permission for the construction of a Reserve Gas-Fired Generator which is designed to provide power and back-up to the power grid. The site is located in the townlands of Coolpowra, Cooldorragha, Ballynaheskeragh, Gortlusky and Sheeaunrush, County Galway.
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The proposed development for which permission is being sought constitutes a Reserve Gas-Fired Generator which is designed to provide power and back-up to the power grid. The proposed Reserve Gas-Fired Generator location is adjacent to a proposed Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) electricity substation and proposed Energy Storage System (ESS) Project which are subject to separate concurrent planning applications with An Bord Pleanála and Galway County Council respectively. The Reserve Gas-Fired Generator will electrically connect to the adjoining 400kV High Voltage (HV) electricity network at the Oldstreet node in Co. Galway.
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The application follows a determination received from An Bord Pleanála confirming the proposed development constitutes Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) pursuant to Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
It is a requirement of the Board that the applicant creates a specific website to include all of the application documentation.
The application site has a total area of c. 42.3 hectares.
The proposed development will include: (i) demolition of an existing farmhouse, outbuildings and agricultural sheds; (ii) construction of a Reserve Gas-Fired Generator building which will house 3no. 385MW OCGT units, 3no. 45m high stacks with Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS), 3no. recessed and roof mounted air intake filter houses and ducts, fire suppression skid and distribution system, power control centre and balance of plant (BoP), administration control /building containing a control room, offices administration and welfare facilities; (iii) secondary fuel storage tanks and unloading area (3no. fuel storage tanks, fuel pumping plant, fuel polishing plant, air compressor and fuel forwarding building);(iv) 3no. bunded HV transformers and auxiliary transformers; (v) Air insulated switchgear (AIS) compound containing HV electrical lines /cables, circuit breakers and associated electrical plant; (vi) fin fan coolers with a 7m high noise barrier;(vii) 3no. containerised emergency diesel generators with integrated stacks; (viii) Above Ground Installation (AGI) compound containing above ground pipework, a regulator house enclosure, instrument kiosk, boiler house enclosure and analyser kiosk; gas heater compound; (ix) firewater pump building and firewater storage tank; (x) workshop and stores; (xi) security building; (xii) temporary construction compound); (xiii) a main entrance connecting to the L8763 public road; (xiv) improvement works to the junction of the N65/L8763 public roads; and (xv) all ancillary development including new internal roads, fencing and gates, car parking, lighting, utilities, lightning protection masts, underground services, landscaping and associated engineering works to provide for the connection of site services and foul and surface water management and drainage.
An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) have been prepared in respect of the proposed development.