Engineering consultancy GRAHAM has successfully installed a state-of-the-art battery energy storage system (BESS) at Dunmore Point Water Treatment Works (WTW) on behalf of long-standing customer Northern Ireland Water (NI Water).
The 5.6 MWh BESS will store the excess energy generated on site with approximately 24,000 solar panels. During periods of low customer demand, NI Water will store this renewable energy for later use during peak times. As a result, the company will be able to power its operations and keep water flowing at a lower cost.
An important aspect of the battery is that it will also be able to flexibly feed energy back into the grid when required, supporting the stability of the grid, especially as more and more variable renewable assets are added to the system such as wind and solar energy.
GRAHAM contracts director PJ McCaffery said the company completed the project together with Arup, NI Water, NI Electricity Networks, civil engineer Doran, Scotts Electrical and Fluence.
“We strive to have a lasting impact on all our projects by transforming and improving the built environment for the communities we serve,” said McCaffey. “This project is a fantastic example of innovation and our expertise in the water sector, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with NI Water on future projects.”
SSE adds 200MWh Northern Ireland BESS to portfolio
In other Northern Ireland BESS news, green energy developer SSE Renewables confirmed last week (May 3) that it had acquired a 100MW/200MWh asset from Heron Energy in Dungannon, County Tyrone.
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 is expected to 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.
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