Green energy developer SSE Renewables has purchased a 100MW/200MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) from Heron Energy in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
If delivered, the Derrymeen battery will be the largest installed BESS facility in Northern Ireland with a 2-hour runtime. Subject to a final investment decision by SSE Renewables, the excavation-ready project will be built on a greenfield site outside Coalisland, approximately five miles from Dungannon.
If final delivery is approved, construction could begin early next year and the BESS would be operational by the end of 2026. It will be connected to the electricity grid via an underground cable at the nearby existing Tamnamore substation.
This is the first battery storage development by SSE Renewables in Northern Ireland, with an already established green portfolio in Britain. The company launched its first operational BESS to the UK market on April 15 in the form of a 50MW/100MWh asset 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 transition to net zero, as we build vital battery energy storage systems capable of making the electricity grid more resilient while maximizing the opportunity to harness excess renewable energy generated from onshore wind and solar power in Northern Ireland for use when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not appears.
“We look forward to working with policy and regulators in Northern Ireland to ensure that much-needed energy storage solutions can be delivered in the region and function 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 80 MW battery project in Tawnaghmore, County Mayo, and a 100 MW battery in Tarbert, County Kerry.
The pipeline for battery projects increases by 38.5 GW
In other BESS news, a report published yesterday (May 2) by industry association RenewableUK showed that the total pipeline of battery projects has reached 95.6GW, an increase of two-thirds on last year.
The increase of 67.4% (38.5 GW) from 57.1 GW is the second consecutive twelve-month period in which the pipeline has increased by this percentage. The total includes battery projects that are operational, under construction, approved or planned.
RenewableUK’s director of future electricity systems, Barnaby Wharton, said: “It’s great to see the UK’s battery storage pipeline growing by two-thirds in 12 months for the second year running. Investor interest in entering this fast-growing market remains enormous.”
