Smell Gas? 0800 002 001
Our Natural Gas Network
In March 2005, Kinecx Energy (previously firmus energy networks) was awarded a licence to develop a new natural gas network outside Greater Belfast, extending from Londonderry in the North West to Ballymena and from Antrim to Newry along the South North pipeline route.
Our Network Development Journey
Before extending natural gas to communities across Northern Ireland, two key transmission pipelines were required. Following the completion of the North West pipeline in 2004 and the South North pipeline in 2006, Kinecx Energy (previously firmus energy networks) began building local distribution networks in towns throughout the region.
Our Key Achievements Since 2005:
- Invested over £150 million in building our network infrastructure
- Laid over 2,200km of polyethylene pipeline across Northern Ireland
- Connected thousands of homes and businesses to natural gas
- Displaced over 1,250,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by replacing oil heating systems
- Created a foundation for future renewable gas distribution with hydrogen-ready pipes
Towns Served by Kinecx Energy
Our extensive gas network currently serves the following communities across Northern Ireland:
Antrim and Newtownabbey Area
- Antrim
- Ballyclare
- Doagh
- Dunadry
- Parkgate
- Templepatrick
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Area
- Armagh
- Banbridge
- Benburb
- Blackwatertown
- Craigavon
- Dollingstown
- Laurelvale
- Loughgall
- Lurgan
- Maghaberry
- Magheralin
- Moira
- Portadown
- Richhill
- Seapatrick
- Tandragee
- Waringstown
Causeway Coast and Glens Area
- Ballymoney
- Bushmills
- Coleraine
- Limavady
- Portballintrae
- Portstewart
Derry City and Strabane Area
- Derry/Londonderry
- Drumahoe
- Eglinton
- New Buildings
- Prehen
- Strathfoyle
Mid and East Antrim Area
- Ahoghill
- Ballymena
- Broughshane
- Cullybackey
- Glenavy
Newry, Mourne and Down Area
- Bessbrook
- Camlough
- Newry
- Warrenpoint
Our network continues to expand, bringing the benefits of natural gas to more communities across Northern Ireland each year.
Efficient, Economic Network Expansion
The basis of Kinecx Energy licence is that we will bring natural gas to areas where it is economic to do so. We extend our network and connect customers where the costs of construction can be recovered over our 30-year licence period.
This strategic approach allows us to maximise the reach of our network while ensuring sustainability and affordability for our customers. Our connection process is designed to be as seamless and cost-effective as possible, minimising disruption while delivering long-term value.
Safety: Our Number One Priority
We are committed to operating the network safely, in line with all legal obligations and in accordance with the Kinecx Energy Safety Case and wherever possible striving for best practice.
Our Safety Case is a legal requirement under the Gas Safety Management Regulations Northern Ireland 1997. Kinecx Energy has identified and controlled the risks associated with the safe operation of our network.
Our Safety Commitment Includes:
- Regular Inspection and Maintenance of all network assets
- 24/7 Emergency Response Service through the NI Gas Emergency Service
- Comprehensive Gas Safety Campaigns to educate customers
- Advanced Leak Detection Technology to ensure network integrity
- Highly Trained Engineering Professionals maintaining our network
All maintenance of Kinecx Energy’s infrastructure is planned in advance, coordinated directly with our customers, and carried out to the highest international safety standards. Our team of dedicated engineers undergoes rigorous training and certification to ensure they deliver the safest possible service.
Transitioning to a Greener Future
Kinecx Energy is committed to playing a key role in Northern Ireland’s journey to a lower carbon future. Our natural gas infrastructure is designed to be future-ready, capable of distributing renewable gases like biomethane and hydrogen in the years ahead.
Hydrogen Innovation
Hydrogen represents a significant opportunity for deep decarbonisation of the gas network. Kinecx Energy is actively exploring hydrogen’s potential through several key initiatives:
- HyDeploy Learnings – Building on the UK’s first successful project to inject up to 20% hydrogen into a gas network
- Ballymena Hydrogen Project – Investigating with B9 Energy the possibility of a trial to inject hydrogen into a section of the natural gas network at the former Michelin site
Hydrogen-Ready Infrastructure – Our polyethylene pipeline network is already compatible with hydrogen blends
Biomethane Integration
Biomethane offers an immediate pathway to greener gas, using existing infrastructure with no changes needed to customers’ appliances. Our network is ready to accept locally produced biomethane from anaerobic digestion plants, creating a circular economy solution that addresses both energy and agricultural needs.
The Environmental Advantage
Connecting to natural gas through Kinecx Energy offers immediate environmental benefits:
- Up to 52% Carbon Reduction when switching from oil heating*
- Higher Efficiency Rates with modern gas boilers achieving up to 98% efficiency
- Reduced Local Air Pollution with fewer particulate emissions than oil
- Path to a Lower Carbon Future as we transition to renewable gases
Our network has already helped displace over 1.25 million tonnes of CO2 emissions across Northern Ireland.
*Information based on switching your home heating system from a 15-year-old Sedbuk F oil boiler without controls to a new Sedbuk A natural gas boiler with heating controls used correctly.
Our Future Proofed Network
By the end of 2025, approximately 550,000 properties in Northern Ireland will have access to natural gas, with over 320,000 homes connected to the gas network. As Kinecx Energy continues to connect homes and businesss to the ‘Ten Towns’ network, we’re focused on:
- Preparing for Renewable Gas Integration across our infrastructure
- Developing Smart Network Technologies for optimised distribution
- Supporting Northern Ireland’s Energy Transition through innovative partnerships
Connect to Our Network
Interested in connecting your home or business to the Kinecx Energy networks gas network? Our team makes the process simple and straightforward:
Check Availability – Use our online tool to see if your property can connect
Site Survey – Our team will visit to assess the best connection options
Quotation – Receive a clear, competitive quote for your connection
Installation – Experienced engineers complete your connection with minimal disruption
Activation – Start enjoying the benefits of natural gas