A new control centre in Athlone will manage power assets across Europe.
New jobs are on the way to the Midlands
Athlone has been chosen as the location for the Centrica Power Global Control Centre.
The facility, based at Bord Gáis Energy’s Monksland site, will provide oversight for Centrica's operations in Ireland, the UK, Belgium and Sweden.
It's part of a €1bn investment programme which will see the creation of 14 highly skilled roles in the Midlands.
It will begin operating Bord Gáis Energy’s Irish assets from the middle of this year, with Centrica Power’s UK infrastructure transitioning in phases through the second half of the year.
Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, said:
“Ireland is a market we know well and continue to invest in with confidence. It is a market where policy ambition is increasingly matched by delivery, creating the conditions needed to invest in critical energy infrastructure. Centrica’s investment in Ireland shows what is possible when the UK and Ireland work together: secure energy today, faster progress to net zero, and long-term economic resilience for both countries.”
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, said:
“Ireland’s priority is to deliver a clean energy transition while maintaining security of supply and affordability. Investments like this bring highly skilled operational capability into the heart of our energy system, support regional development, and help ensure the infrastructure needed to deliver a just transition.”
Kara Owen, British Ambassador to Ireland, said:
“Today’s announcement underlines the genuine momentum driving the integrated economic relationship between the UK and Ireland. The news from Centrica and Bord Gáis Energy is a powerful example of that partnership in action. I warmly welcome this significant investment, which shows how close cooperation can translate into real infrastructure, high‑quality jobs, and strengthened energy security across both our islands. This is the kind of practical, future‑focused collaboration that benefits people and businesses in both countries. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this investment in the months and years ahead, and to deepening the UK–Ireland economic partnership even further.”
Dave Kirwan, Country Chairperson of Bord Gáis Energy and Managing Director of Centrica Power, said:
“Locating the Centrica Power Global Control Centre in Athlone, alongside our soon to be-commissioned 100MW flexible peaking plant, brings real-time operational control and critical infrastructure together on one site. Flexible generation plays a vital role in maintaining security of supply and enabling greater integration of renewables. This investment shows how close collaboration between our UK and Irish teams is delivering secure energy, high quality jobs and practical progress as the energy system transitions.
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