SSE Acquires Battery Project in Ireland from Low Carbon

SSE Renewables Acquires 120 MW/240 MWh Thornsberry Battery Project in Ireland.Supporting Ireland’s Energy Grid with Project Thornsberry
SSE Renewables, the renewable energy arm of SSE Plc, has announced the acquisition of rights to the Thornsberry battery project, a 120 MW/240 MWh energy storage facility located in County Offaly, Ireland. This transaction strengthens SSE’s energy storage portfolio on the island, increasing its secured projects’ total capacity to 300 MW.

The Thornsberry project has secured both planning permission and a grid connection offer to the Irish national grid via a nearby 110 kV substation. With its 240 MWh storage capacity, the battery will provide flexible energy delivery during peak demand periods. The 120 MW system will be capable of powering approximately 115,000 Irish homes for two hours, while also stabilizing the country’s energy grid.

Economic Benefits for the Offaly Region

Pending an investment decision from SSE Renewables, the project could enter the construction phase and become operational before the end of the decade. The development promises to benefit the local community by creating jobs and supporting services provided by local authorities through development fees and property taxes.

The acquisition of Thornsberry is part of SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions within the next five years. SSE is also advancing similar projects in the UK, including a 150 MW battery in Yorkshire and a 320 MW system in Monk Fryston.

Low Carbon’s Role in Energy Storage

Low Carbon, the initial developer of the Thornsberry project, began its development in 2018 and has been a pioneer in Ireland’s energy storage market, contributing approximately 20% of the country’s storage capacity. Selling the project to SSE aligns with Low Carbon’s growth strategy of building 20 GW of new renewable energy capacity.

The company views battery storage technology as a cornerstone of the energy transition, supporting grid stability and maximizing the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. By enabling energy storage and delivery during peak demand periods, batteries facilitate further emission reductions, contributing to Ireland’s energy decarbonization goals.

Source: sserenewables.com