Plans lodged for e-fuel research facility in Cootehill

A new synthetic fuel research facility is being proposed in the Cootehill area.

Galetech Energy Developments Ltd is seeking planning permission for the development, which, if sanctioned, will be capable of producing 100 tonnes of e-Fuel in the first year, building to maximum capacity of 286 tonnes in years to come.

The development site is located in the townland of Edrans, near Cootehill. The proposed facility would manufacture and test the production of e-fuels, with an aim to create synthetic versions of petrol, diesel, and also jet fuel.

Connected to the existing Mountain Lodge wind farm, the research unit would “validate the production of e-Fuels at a small scale using green energy resources (wind/green hydrogen).”

The fuels are fully compatible with existing engines and infrastructure, making them “ideal for hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation, shipping, and heavy-duty transport".

In their planning statement Galetech say that the primary equipment will be purchased from two suppliers located in Europe which are in a position to deliver the modular equipment already housed within shipping containers. As such, the majority of the “installation and commissioning” will take place within the manufacturer's factory before being moved on site.

“These containers will be housed within a large agricultural-style shed, in fitting with the environment.”

The process involves use of an electrolyser powered with electricity from the nearby wind farm and water from a group water scheme. The process would split the pure water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the green hydrogen produced piped to the e-Fuels synthesis unit (Fischer-Tropsch process) to create mixed liquid and wax synthetic crude oil that can be refined to be used as a direct replacement for fossil fuels like petrol, diesel, jet fuel and others.

The research proposed by Galetech includes demonstrating the “reliability of equipment”, the ability to “adjust system capacity to match” the available renewable energy, e-Fuel product quality, standards and also certifications.

The e-Fuel will then be stored on-site until sufficient volumes are available to arrange transport to the Whitegate refinery in Cork.

Gaeltech says that “key environmental concerns have been proactively identified and are being addressed” in the facility's design. The management of the e-fuel products themselves would be handled through robust containment systems, “minimising the risk of leaks or spills”, while wastewater discharge would also be carefully managed and treated on site.

The company says: “Galetech are committed to working with local communities, Cavan County Council, their affiliates and all other third-party bodies to ensure a harmonious approach is taken in the development of this proposed renewable energy project.”

Planners are set to make a decision on planning permission in June.