Planning sought for battery energy storage system in north Mayo
SSE is submitting a planning application to Mayo County Council for a proposed 80MW/160MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in north Mayo, capable of powering over 75,000 Irish homes for up to two hours at a time.
The proposed Mullafarry battery storage project would be located at an SSE-owned site in Tawnaghmore Upper, adjacent to the company’s existing 104MW Tawnaghmore Power Station at Killala Business Park.
Subject to approvals, it is hoped construction on the project could commence in 2026.
Planning for a battery storage facility at this site was previously granted in 2018, however that consent has expired.
Now, SSE Renewables is submitting a new application with an improved project design and increased battery capacity of between 26 and 38 battery storage units at the site.
Battery technology can store the increasing levels of renewable energy generated from sources like wind and solar when they are in surplus and then supply that power back to the grid when it is needed the most.
If approved, the project would be available to provide battery-stored energy for up to two hours during times of peak demand.
In a statement, the company said the project would also be expected to lead to increased local employment during construction and to create supply chain opportunities for the area, helping boost the local economy.
Ghislain Demeuldre, Ireland head of onshore wind, solar and battery development, SSE Renewables, said: “Through the development of innovative projects like the Mullafarry battery energy storage system, we’re adding to SSE’s growing energy infrastructure pipeline in County Mayo, which includes Glenora Wind Farm and the consented Sheskin South Wind Farm, both of which we are co-developing with FuturEnergy Ireland.
“Mayo, and the north-west, has an enormous wind energy resource, and these critical projects can help ensure Mayo continues to play a key role in providing homegrown energy for Irish consumers while decarbonising the national power grid.
“Along with wind generation, battery storage projects like Mullafarry are a key part of the energy jigsaw. They provide the ability to store power in times of surplus generation and release it when it’s needed the most.”
Final delivery of Mullafarry BESS is subject to the project receiving the necessary planning consent and a final investment decision by SSE.
Subject to these approvals, it is hoped construction could commence in 2026 with project completion expected in 2028.
More information here: https://www.sserenewables.com/mullafarry.