Plans have been revealed for a major battery energy storage system (BESS) in North Mayo.
SSE Renewables has revealed that it is submitting a planning application for a 80MW facility on a site adjacent to the Killala Business Park. The company already has a 104MW power station on the site in the townland of Tawnaghmore Upper.
The company says the new facility, to be known as the Mullafarry battery storage project, would power over 75,000 Irish homes for up to two hours at a time.
Planning permission for a battery storage facility at this site was previously granted by Mayo County Council in 2018, however that consent has expired. Now, renewable energy developer SSE Renewables is submitting a new planning application to Mayo County Council. The proposal would include an improved project design and increased battery capacity of between 26 and 38 battery storage units at the site.
Battery energy storage systems have a vital role to play in helping Ireland to balance power supply while decarbonising the energy system. 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 for delivery, the proposed Mullafarry BESS project would be available to provide battery-stored energy for up to two hours during times of peak demand, helping power homes and businesses across Ireland while providing network balancing services to help ensure the proper functioning of the national grid.
The proposed 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. Once operational, the Mullafarry BESS facility would also support local investment in Mayo through commercial rates payments, supporting the ongoing provision of essential services and infrastructure by the local authority.
The development of the Mullafarry BESS project adds to SSE’s portfolio of operational energy assets and planned energy infrastructure in Mayo and neighbouring counties. SSE Thermal operates the existing Tawnaghmore Power Station which is situated adjacent to the site for the proposed Mullafarry battery storage project and plays a key role in maintaining Ireland’s security of energy supply. Also in North Mayo, SSE Renewables and co-development partner FuturEnergy Ireland’s are jointly progressing plans for the Glenora and Sheskin South wind farms projects. In neighbouring Sligo, SSE Renewables is progressing a new wind energy project at the site of the existing Dunneill and Kingsmountain wind farms – the proposed Crumhach Wind Farm.
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.
