BREAKING: Over 100,000 homes to be powered by multi-million Tullamore development

A TOTAL of 115,000 homes will be powered by a multi-million new battery storage system to be developed near Tulamore.

SSE will submit a planning application today (Friday, December 18) to Offaly County Council for the proposed Tinnycross Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), to be located in the townlands of Derrynagall and Ballydaly, northeast of Tullamore.

The proposed battery storage project consists of a 120MW / 480MWh grid-scale battery storage facility, using lithium-ion technology, capable of delivering enough power to supply over 115,000 homes for up to four hours.

The site is next to the Thornsberry 110kV substation, allowing for an efficient grid connection.

If consented, it will play a vital role 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.

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Daniel Barnes, Portfolio Manager with SSE Renewables, said: “Battery storage is essential to Ireland’s transition to a cleaner, more secure electricity system. A four-hour storage facility like this will help maximise the use of renewable energy by capturing excess power when it’s plentiful and delivering it back to the grid when the wind doesn’t blow, and the sun doesn’t shine.

As well as contributing to grid stability, this project will create long-term benefits for the local community through employment opportunities, support for local suppliers, and commercial rates contributions."

"SSE has a track record of investing in the Midlands, most recently delivering the Yellow River Wind Farm.

"Tinnycross Battery Energy Storage System underlines our enduring commitment to the region and its vital role in shaping Ireland’s clean energy future. We look forward to continuing our engagement with residents and stakeholders to keep them informed and involved as the project moves forward.”

Previously, planning permission was granted for a BESS project on the site. However, SSE is now submitting a revised proposal for an upgraded design that will increase the battery storage duration - from two hours to four - and deliver an optimised BESS layout. This enhanced design provides longer-lasting energy support during peak demand.

Tinnycross Battery Energy Storage System would support job creation during construction. Once operational, it would also deliver local economic benefits in Offaly through commercial rates payments, helping to sustain the ongoing provision of essential services and infrastructure by the local authority.

Once submitted, the planning application will be reviewed by Offaly County Council and will be subject to a five-week public consultation period, during which members of the community can provide feedback.

SSE Renewables is a leading developer and operator of renewable energy generation, focusing on onshore and offshore wind, hydro, solar and battery storage. Part of energy infrastructure company SSE plc, UK-listed in the FTSE100, is delivering clean power assets to increase SSE’s operational renewable generation capacity as part of a ~€20bn five-year clean energy delivery plan to 2027. SSE Renewables operates some of the leading onshore wind farms on the island of Ireland including the 174MW Galway Wind Park in Connemara and the 73MW Slieve Kirk Wind Park outside Derry City.

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