Plans have been lodged for a new synthetic fuel research facility in Co.Cavan.
The planned factory will manufacture and test the production of e-fuels, with an aim to create synthetic versions of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel. The planned location of the facility is in the townland of Edrans, near Cootehill, Co.Cavan, in close proximity to the existing Mountain Lodge Wind Farm. The application, lodged by Galetech Energy Developments calls for the demolition of non-habitable buildings on the current site and the construction of an E-fuel research facility. Included are cooling tanks, storage tanks, cooling plant area and an attenuation pond. The Proposed Development is anticipated to produce approximately 100 tonnes of e-Fuel in the first year, building slowly to a maximum capacity of 286 tonnes. In an extensive report attached to the application, Galetech say e-fuel will stored on site until enough is available to ship to the Whitegate refinery in Co.Cork. The e-fuel will be produced by an electrolyser with electricity from the nearby wind farm and water from a group water scheme. Green hydrogen will then be combined with Carbon Dioxide, creating a synthetic crude oil and wax, which can then be refined into e-versions of petrol, diesel, jet fuel and others. The report concludes by saying that Galetech will work with local communities and the council to ensure a harmonious approach to the new facility. A decision on it is due in June.
