Early plans for 100 MW battery energy storage system in Ireland revealed
On the 14th of November, major energy company Centrica revealed their plans for a 100 MW battery energy storage system to be built in Ireland. With a prospective delivery of 2022, if the project goes ahead, it will be twice as large as their project currently being built (49 MW in Roosecote, Cumbria, UK with an expected completion date of 2018) and would be the largest yet built in Europe.
Still in the very early stages, reports reveal that three locations have had planning documents submitted. Due to the scale of the project in question, more than one site may be used for manufacturing and installation of the battery energy storage system (BESS). Centrica project manager Chris Read did not reveal which of the three sites — Kilkenny, Cahir (Tipperary) and Athlone (Westmeath) — would be selected. In Ireland, planning decisions are generally confirmed within three months from the submission of an application, which can vary depending on the complexity of the project in question.
Ireland is currently undergoing significant reform to its energy markets in order to meet renewables targets. An equivalent to the Capacity Market found in the UK, the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism, is being developed in Ireland — Mark Futyan, Centrica’s merchant power director, expects that the battery project will be completed in time to participate if planning is approved. Centrica will also be well positioned to take part in the DS3 programme, EirGrid’s multi-year programme to meet National and European targets.
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