SSE secures planning consent for revised battery energy storage system in Mayo
SSE has secured planning consent from Mayo County Council to revise plans for its proposed Mullafarry Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project near Killala in north Mayo.
The planning consent marks 'a significant milestone for the project', said SSE.
Subject to a final investment decision by SSE, the facility would provide vital electricity storage needed to support a cleaner, more affordable and secure homegrown energy system for Ireland.
Its delivery would also support job creation during construction and local economic investment through commercial rates payments during operation.
Mullafarry BESS is being developed on an SSE-owned site in Killala Business Park, adjacent to the company’s existing 104MW Tawnaghmore Power Station. The approved project comprises up to 64 battery storage units, together with associated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and supporting infrastructure.
Battery storage technology helps support the integration of renewable electricity onto the grid while enhancing security of supply. Mullafarry’s 80MW/320MWh battery storage system would be capable of storing up to four hours of reserve electricity capacity.
By providing flexibility to store and release electricity in response to grid needs, the facility would provide Ireland’s transmission system operator with access to a reliable and flexible power reserve, helping support security of electricity supply, maintain grid stability, and enable more renewable electricity to connect to Ireland's national grid.
If approved for delivery by SSE, construction would be expected to take up to two years, creating jobs during construction and supporting the local supply chain. Once operational, the battery storage facility would contribute commercial rates payments to Mayo County Council, helping improve local infrastructure and services.
Ghislain Demeuldre, Head of Onshore Wind, Solar and Battery Development at SSE Renewables, commented: “We welcome Mayo County Council's decision to approve our revised plans for the proposed Mullafarry Battery Energy Storage System. This decision gives SSE the potential to significantly increase the energy output we can deliver through the project. By storing electricity when supplies are high and making it available when needed, Mullafarry could help support a more secure, affordable and homegrown electricity system for Ireland.
“The project would also support jobs and local economic development during construction and operation. Through projects such as Mullafarry, SSE continues to play a leading role in Ireland's energy transition.”
Mullafarry is part of SSE's growing portfolio of energy infrastructure sites and projects in the northwest. In addition to the operational Tawnaghmore Power Station at Killala Business Park, SSE is progressing the proposed Glenora and Sheskin South wind farm projects in north Mayo with partner FuturEnergy Ireland. In west Sligo, SSE has recently submitted plans for the proposed Crumhach wind farm project at the site of the existing Kingsmountain and Dunneill wind farms.