Black Start Infrastructure and Gas engines in Northern Ireland

Kilroot Power station has 2 coal fired units, 4 GT units and a Battery Energy Storage System ("BESS"). Soon the 2 coal fired units may be decommissioned and 1 or 2 new gas-fired Open Cycle Gas Turbine ("OCGT") 4 peaking units will be installed. These are referred to as OCGT6 and OCGT7 in this document. The 4 existing GT units (GT1 to GT4) will remain and continue to provide services to SONI along with the BESS.

Figure 2 (below) provides a general layout of the Kilroot site. The 275kV Kilroot substation is located to the north of the site and enclosed within its own building. The location for the new OCGTs is within the existing turbine building for the coal fired power station. When Kilroot was originally built one half of the building was fitted out with two coal fired units. The other half of the building remained empty except for being used for storage / workshop.

The existing GT units, GT1 to GT4, are located to the south east side of the site. GT1 and GT2 are located within a building and connected to the 275kV grid via the coal station electrical systems. GT3 and GT3 are located in separate cabinets, north of the building which houses GT1 and GT2. and connected to the 275kV grid via a common grid connection that is independent to the coal station. The step-up transformer for GT3 and GT4 is located just to the north of GT3 and GT4, this compound also has the 275kV cable sealing ends.

The BESS system is physically located in the coal station and connected into one of the coal unit electrical systems for import and export.

There is currently no natural gas onsite, however a natural gas supply will be brought onto the Kilroot site for the new OCGTs and gas engine package.

The works will be undertaken on an operational Power Station Site.

Further detail in relation to the Client requirements can be found in the Market Brochure appended to this SQ. The technical specifications for the Procurement will be formally issued to all Economic Operators shortlisted for the tender stage.