Irish refinery warns sanctions on Russia sales could destabilize national power grids

Aughinish Alumina, an Irish-based refinery facing controversy over its raw material allegedly reaching Russian weapons manufacturers, has warned the government that sanctions on its alumina sales to Moscow could impact Ireland's national gas and electricity grids. The warning is detailed in a briefing document submitted by the Russian-owned plant to the government and seen by RTÉ News.

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exports excess electricity to the national grid, enough to power [circa] 200,000 Irish households

The document asserts that Aughinish Alumina exports surplus electricity to the national grid, sufficient to power approximately 200,000 Irish households. Furthermore, the refinery claims to contribute up to €25 million annually towards the maintenance of the natural gas grid. Both the briefing document and a letter to the government highlight that restricting alumina sales to Russia would severely question the refinery's ongoing viability, potentially leading to job losses.

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provides up to €25 million each year for the maintenance of the natural gas grid.

In such a scenario, the company warns, the government would have to assume the costs Aughinish currently covers for the national gas grid's upkeep. The company's managing director, Ciaran Kelleher, stated in a letter that in 2025, 55% of Aughinish's alumina was supplied to European and global industries, with 45% exported to Russia. These warnings are part of a lobbying effort by Aughinish Alumina, owned by Russian aluminum conglomerate Rusal, to avoid EU sanctions.

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ongoing viability of the refinery at Aughinish would be severely in question with the potential loss of employment

The refinery's position comes after an investigation by European media outlets, including The Irish Times, alleged that alumina shipments from the Shannon-based plant to Russia were processed into aluminum in Rusal-owned smelters. This aluminum was reportedly sold by a Moscow-based trader to weapons manufacturers, with customs and trade data allegedly showing the alumina ultimately ended up in weapons used in Ukraine. The company denies claims that a majority of its alumina is sold to Russia.

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In 2025, 55% of Aughinish's alumina was supplied to European and global industries, with 45% exported to Russia.