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SSE’s 50MW battery storage asset at Salisbury, Wiltshire, which entered commercial operation in April 2024 (credit: SSE Renewables)
Heather Donald, director of projects onshore Ireland at SSE Renewables
Energy giant SSE is going ahead with a new £50m battery energy storage system (BESS) in Co Tyrone, Business Telegraph can reveal.
SSE said it had made a final investment decision on the new 100MW battery storage facility near Dungannon.
It said the Derrymeen BESS facility beside Tamnamore substation will provide 100MW of capacity with two hours of storage, equivalent to 200MW.
It will connect to the substation and feed into the all-island integrated Single Electricity Market (SEM), while supporting the transition to a renewables-led system.
SSE said: “Once operational, it will help balance the grid and support security of supply by storing electricity when generation is high and releasing it back to the system when demand increases.
“The project will strengthen Northern Ireland’s electricity network by providing flexible storage capacity to support renewable generation and enhance security of supply.”
The company has started preliminary work such as the design and procurement of key equipment such as the main grid transformer. Construction is due to begun later in 2026.
It said grid connection will be carried out with the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE).
It said delivery would also bring job opportunities during construction and support business in the area by engaging regional contractors and suppliers.
It said that at peak delivery, the project is expected to support up to 30 full-time jobs.
Heather Donald, director of projects onshore Ireland at SSE Renewables
Heather Donald, director of projects onshore Ireland at SSE Renewables, said: “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.
“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.”
The company said its decision to go ahead follows “refinements” to the project’s design and engagement with Mid Ulster District Council.