Mayo County Approves SSE's 80 MW / 320 MWh Battery Energy Storage Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Mayo County Council has approved revised planning permission for the Mullafarry Battery Energy Storage System (Mullafarry BESS). Developed by SSE Renewables, the project has a planned installed capacity of 80 MW / 320 MWh, capable of storing up to four hours of backup electricity, designed to support Ireland in building a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure indigenous energy system.

The project is located on an SSE-owned site within Killala Business Park, adjacent to the company's existing 104 MW Tawnaghmore power station. The approved scheme includes up to 64 battery energy storage units, along with supporting infrastructure such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Should SSE make a final investment decision, construction is expected to take approximately two years, during which time it will create jobs and support the local supply chain.

Battery energy storage technology can store electricity when supply is abundant and release it when the grid requires it, providing reliable and flexible backup capacity for Ireland's transmission system operator. This will help safeguard the security of electricity supply, maintain grid stability, and support the integration of more renewable electricity into Ireland's national grid.

Once operational, the project will pay commercial rates to Mayo County Council, providing funding to support improvements to local infrastructure and services.

Ghislain Demeuldre, Head of Onshore Wind, Solar and Battery Development at SSE Renewables, said that the approval from Mayo County Council positions the company to significantly increase energy output through this project; the construction and operational phases will support jobs and local economic development, and help Ireland build a more secure, affordable, and more homegrown electricity system. He also stated that through projects like Mullafarry, SSE will continue to play a leading role in Ireland's energy transition.