British renewable energy company RES has secured its first consent for a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Northern Ireland, after Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Planning Committee approved the Ballyross BESS on Monday, 26 October 2026. The consent marks an important milestone for the company, which has maintained a presence in the region since the early 1990s.

Strategic Location Near Ballyvallagh Substation

The Ballyross project is located on land approximately 2 kilometres south-west of Gleno and 8.5 kilometres south-west of Larne. According to RES, the site is strategically positioned close to the existing Ballyvallagh substation, which will support the efficient operation of the system while minimising the need for additional grid infrastructure.

The company has stated that the site was selected not only for its proximity to the substation but also because it has limited visibility from local properties. Peter Deeney, Senior Development Project Manager at RES, said the new planting planned for the site would further reduce visibility while providing valuable resources for a wide range of flora and fauna.

Supporting Grid Flexibility and Stability

RES said the project comes at a time when constraints on Northern Ireland's electricity system are increasing. Clean, low-cost electricity capable of powering homes and businesses can sometimes be prevented from reaching consumers.

Battery energy storage projects such as Ballyross can help make better use of this electricity by storing it when generation is high and releasing it when demand rises.

By adding flexibility and supporting grid stability, the company said, Ballyross will help create a more efficient and resilient electricity system. Battery storage is becoming increasingly important, according to RES, as Northern Ireland continues its transition to a low-carbon energy system.

"From our office in Larne, RES has been proud to contribute to Northern Ireland's energy future and economic growth since the early 1990s," said Mr Deeney. "Securing consent for Ballyross, our first battery energy storage project to be consented to in Northern Ireland, is an important milestone as we continue transforming the way energy is generated, stored, and supplied. Projects such as Ballyross can help make the electricity network more flexible and resilient so that more renewable energy can be stored and used when it is needed most."

Landscaping and Biodiversity Commitments

The approved scheme includes a substantial landscaping package. New native-species planting will help the development blend into the surrounding landscape while creating wildlife corridors and pollinator-friendly habitat that deliver additional biodiversity benefits.

RES also acknowledged the role of the local community in shaping the project's final design. "We would particularly like to thank the local residents and stakeholders who engaged with us throughout the development of Ballyross," said Mr Deeney. "The feedback shared during consultation helped inform our landscaping plan and shape the project's final design."

Construction Timeline

Construction of the BESS is expected to take around 20 months. No start date for construction has been announced in the consent announcement.

Powering Ahead: Stay Ahead of Ireland's Evolving Power Project Landscape

Every megawatt of new capacity in Ireland begins long before groundbreaking, with planning applications, tender releases, and contract signings that signal where the market is heading next. The question is, are you seeing these signals early enough to act on them?

The Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research delivers real-time intelligence on power projects across Ireland, from grid expansion and renewable installations to conventional generation and transmission infrastructure. Instead of piecing together fragmented sources, you get a single, structured view of the opportunities shaping the continent's energy future.

Whether you supply equipment, provide EPC services, or advise investors, timely project data is the difference between chasing leads and creating them.

• Upcoming Projects

• Tender Notices

• Contract Awards

• Projects Under Construction

• Completed Projects

Book a Free Demo of the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research today and discover how leading power sector players across Ireland stay one step ahead.