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Evolve, formerly SGN Natural Gas, is responsible for bringing gas to the west of Northern Ireland. This is one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the province. The ‘Gas to the West’ project was conceived to extend the benefits of gas to the towns of Coalisland, Cookstown, Dungannon, Derrylin, Enniskillen, Magherafelt, Omagh, and Strabane. This followed years of campaigning by many interested parties and key stakeholders. Building the new gas network was a monumental task, but one that brings many opportunities for residents and businesses in the licensed area – providing a cleaner, competitive and convenient energy source.
Since the majority of the network went live in early 2020, over 4,000 homes and businesses have already connected, despite the challenges of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the unprecedented energy crisis. This highlights the growing demand for cleaner, alternative fuel sources in the Evolve licensed area.
In an era marked by the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, the injection of biomethane into the Northern Ireland gas grid at Dungannon in November 2023 was a ground-breaking milestone. Evolve is proud to lead this transformative journey for the industry in Northern Ireland. This was not a token connection - it is the starting point to fully decarbonise the entire network. The new brand, Evolve, is rooted in values that mirror the evolving priorities of a world in flux. The company’s commitment to sustainability, prioritising people's well-being, encouraging continuous innovation, and educating all stakeholders underpins its role as a leader in this transformative endeavour. The direct to grid injection of biomethane into the Evolve network marked a pivotal moment – a first-of-its-kind initiative for any distribution network on the island of Ireland. This symbolises Evolve’s collective commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
It is essential to recognise that whilst this innovation is a significant step, it is not a ‘silver bullet’ solution that can single-handedly decarbonise Northern Ireland’s entire energy sector. Instead, it stands as an outstanding example of what can be achieved through collaboration, inspiring us all to adopt a holistic and diverse strategy for transitioning to sustainable energy sources. As we move forward, Evolve emphasises the critical importance of strategic collaboration across all facets of the energy industry. A just transition demands cooperation, partnership, and coordinated efforts from government bodies, businesses, researchers, customers, and communities. By uniting collective expertise and resources, we can navigate the complex challenges ahead, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future. For more information on Evolve, visit www.evolvenetwork.co.uk.
Evolve, Blackwater House, 14 Silverwood Industrial Estate, Lurgan, BT66 6LN