SSE has announced a Final Investment Decision to begin construction on a new 100MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The facility will support Northern Ireland's transition to a renewables-led electricity system and strengthen the region's electricity network infrastructure.

Project Specifications and Location

The Derrymeen BESS facility will be located beside the Tamnamore 275/110kV substation, near Dungannon in County Tyrone. The facility will provide 100MW of capacity with 2 hours of storage, equivalent to 200 MWh. The battery storage system will connect directly to the substation and participate in the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market (SEM).

Once operational, the facility 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 provide flexible storage capacity to support renewable generation and enhance security of supply across Northern Ireland's electricity network.

Construction Timeline and Development Process

Construction will follow later in 2026, after the completion of the early activities already underway. These preliminary activities include detailed design and procurement of key equipment such as the main grid transformer. Grid connection works will be carried out in coordination with the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) and Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE).

The project has progressed to the final investment decision following design refinements and engagement with the local council. SSE has also secured a 10-year Capacity Remuneration Market (CRM) contract for the facility, beginning in October 2028.

Economic Impact and Employment

Delivery of the project will create employment opportunities during construction and support local businesses through engagement with regional contractors and suppliers. At peak delivery, the project is expected to support up to 30 full-time jobs.

The development will also contribute to the local economy through partnerships with regional contractors and suppliers during the construction phase.

Strategic Importance for Energy Infrastructure

Heather Donald, Director of Projects Onshore Ireland at SSE Renewables, emphasized the project's significance for energy infrastructure development.“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,” Donald stated.

She highlighted the essential role of battery storage in enabling a renewables-led electricity system, explaining that the technology helps “store clean power when it is available and deliver it back to the grid when it is needed most” Donald expressed pride in SSE's investment in Northern Ireland's energy future, noting the company's collaborative approach with partners and stakeholders to deliver a project that supports both security of supply and the energy transition.

The Derrymeen project represents SSE's continued expansion in battery energy storage technology. The company operates a 50MW battery storage asset in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, which entered commercial operation in April 2024, demonstrating SSE's growing portfolio in energy storage infrastructure.

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