SSE acquires 120MW/240MWh battery storage project in Ireland

SSE has acquired the project development rights for a 120MW/240MWh grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Ireland’s Midlands from UK-based renewable energy company Low Carbon which, if approved for final delivery, could be constructed and operational by the end of decade.

The purchase marks another step forward for SSE Renewables, the renewable energy business of SSE, as it continues to grow its battery storage development portfolio on the island of Ireland.

Under the deal SSE Renewables has acquired the consented Thornsberry BESS project in County Offaly from Grid Systems Services, a developer of grid-scale battery storage projects in Ireland owned by Low Carbon.

Thornsberry is on a secured greenfield site in the townlands of Derrynagall and Ballydaly near Tullamore with planning consent for a grid-scale BESS. It has a grid connection offer to connect 120MW of import/export capacity to Ireland’s national grid via an adjacent existing 110kV substation.

The proposed battery system would be capable of storing up to 240MWh of energy for flexible dispatch at times of peak demand. When called upon, Thornsberry would be capable of providing back-up energy to the equivalent of over 115,000 Irish homes for up to two hours at a time*, while also delivering essential balancing services to Ireland’s energy system.

Subject to a final investment decision by SSE Renewables, the project could enter construction and be operational by the end of the decade. The project would be expected to provide a boost to the supply chain and job creation in County Offaly and the wider Midlands during delivery. It would also support the delivery of local authority essential services in Offaly through the payment of development contributions and commercial rates.

The addition of the Thornsberry project grows the company’s secured battery pipeline in Ireland to 300MW, as part of a wider 1.8GW pipeline across the Ireland and the UK.

SSE Renewables’ Heather Donald, director of onshore wind, solar and battery in the UK and Ireland, said:

“Acquiring the consented Thornsberry project in County Offaly is another great step forward in our plans to grow SSE Renewables’ battery storage development portfolio in Ireland. The addition of this grid-scale project can make an important contribution to the delivery of SSE’s fully funded five-year Net Zero Acceleration Programme, while also advancing the diversity of the technologies in our portfolio.

“The Midlands has a long and proud tradition of supporting Ireland’s energy security. With the development of new onshore wind, solar and battery projects such as Thornsberry, the region can continue to play a significant role in delivering homegrown energy for Irish consumers while decarbonising the country’s power system. In doing so, we can help ensure vital energy projects can deliver positive social and economic benefits to County Offaly and the wider Midlands.”

Roy Bedlow, founder and CEO of Low Carbon, said:

“We are delighted to collaborate with SSE on this project, which underscores Low Carbon’s leading position in the Irish storage market. Furthermore, this announcement demonstrates our expertise of delivering high-quality investable assets to the market, meanwhile playing an important role in supporting our future growth as we aim to build 20GW of new renewable energy.”