Green energy developer SSE Renewables has acquired a 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) from Heron Energy in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
If delivered, the 2-hour duration Derrymeen battery will be the largest installed BESS facility in Northern Ireland. Subject to a final investment decision by SSE Renewables, the shovel-ready project will be constructed on a greenfield site located outside Coalisland, around five miles from Dungannon.
If approved for final delivery, construction could commence early next year and the BESS would be operational by the end of 2026. It will connect to the grid via an underground cable to the nearby existing Tamnamore substation.
This is SSE Renewables’ first battery storage development in Northern Ireland, having already an established green portfolio in Britain. The firm launched its first operative BESS in the GB market on 15 April in the form of a 50MW/100MWh asset located in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Daniel Barnes, head of solar and battery development (Ireland) at SSE Renewables, said: “This acquisition further demonstrates SSE Renewables’ aim to lead the way in the transition to net zero, as we build out vital battery energy storage systems that will be capable of making the grid more resilient, while maximising the opportunity to harness surplus renewable energy generated from onshore wind and solar generation in Northern Ireland for use at times when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.
“We look forward to working with policy and regulatory authorities in Northern Ireland to ensure much-needed energy storage solutions can be delivered in the region and operate effectively within the framework of the All-Island Single Energy Market.”
SSE Renewables’ BESS pipeline in Ireland and Northern Ireland continues to grow. In addition to Derrymeen, the developer is currently developing an 80MW battery project at Tawnaghmore, County Mayo, and a 100MW battery at Tarbert, County Kerry.
Battery project pipeline increases by 38.5GW
In other BESS news, a report published by the trade association RenewableUK yesterday (2 May) showed that the total pipeline of battery projects has reached 95.6GW, a two-thirds increase from last year.
The 67.4% (38.5GW) increase from 57.1GW is the second consecutive 12-month period in which the pipeline has increased by this percentage. The total includes battery projects that are operational, under construction, consented to, or being planned.
RenewableUK’s director of future electricity systems, Barnaby Wharton, said: “It’s great to see that, for the second year running, the UK’s battery storage pipeline has grown by two-thirds within the space of twelve months. The appetite among investors to enter this rapidly-growing market remains enormous.”
