SSE Renewables has announced the final investment decision for the Derrymeen Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which will be located next to the Tamnamore 275/110kV substation near Dungannon, Northern Ireland. Once built, this facility will provide 100 megawatts (MW) of capacity. It will include two hours of storage – for a total of 200 megawatt-hours (MWh) – on all four projects. This project will significantly enhance the combined region’s renewable energy resiliency and capabilities. Beyond those environmental benefits, it’s going to generate thousands of jobs in its construction.
Notably, the Derrymeen BESS has won a ten-year capacity remuneration market contract – starting in October 2028. Construction on the facility will start in late 2026. This successful project commits to make major breakthroughs in the advancement of battery storage technology in Northern Ireland. SSE Renewables is committed to build this project. It will be crucial as the region’s transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The Derrymeen project is expected to support the equivalent of up to 30 full-time jobs during its peak delivery phase. This latest achievement is part of SSE Renewables’ wider commitment to delivering economic growth and energy production through innovation and smart ideas. The construction phase, in addition to providing jobs for 9,400 workers, will provide a re-energized customer base for local businesses and the economy.
Additionally, SSE Renewables is working closely with partners and stakeholders to deliver a successful project. The grid connection activities will be managed in coordination with the System Operator for Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Electricity Networks. By taking a collaborative approach to the project, the community and stakeholders hope to achieve a smooth integration of the Derrymeen BESS into the existing energy infrastructure.
Importance of Battery Storage
Likewise, battery storage is quickly becoming acknowledged as a sector essential in ushering in a renewables-led electricity grid. The Derrymeen facility will be a key component in helping to reach this goal. It will help aggregate clean power when it’s most abundant and efficiently deliver it back to the grid when demand peaks. SSE Renewables stresses that this project will strengthen the resilience of the energy system throughout the island of Ireland. Second, it will allow the system to be more flexible.
“Battery storage is essential to enabling a renewables-led electricity system, helping to store clean power when it is available and deliver it back to the grid when it is needed most. We are proud to be investing in Northern Ireland’s energy future, working closely with our partners and stakeholders to deliver a project that supports security of supply and the energy transition.” – Heather Donald
Next Steps and Project Timeline
The Derrymeen BESS project is getting underway with preliminary work. The team has already started on detailed design and procurement of specialty equipment, such as their main grid transformer. These prior learning and preparatory steps are very important. They’ll help us ensure the project stays on schedule for its intended construction start of 2026.
Heather Donald, a development director for SSE Renewables, stated that she was delighted to see the project make this important advance.
“Securing a final investment decision for Derrymeen marks another important milestone in our commitment to building a flexible and resilient energy system across the island of Ireland.” – Heather Donald