Plans for SSE's proposed Mullafarry Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in County Mayo have been given the go-ahead. 

Officials from Mayo County Council gave their approval for the Mullafarry battery storage project which will be developed on an SSE-owned site in Tawnaghmore Upper, adjacent to the existing 104MW Tawnaghmore Power Station in Killala Business Park, North Mayo.

The approved design includes between 26 and 38 battery units and reflects updates to the previous consent granted in 2018, which has since expired. It is hoped construction could commence in 2026 with project completion expected in 2028. 

The 80MW/160MWh facility is key to enabling Ireland's transition to a decarbonised energy system. By storing renewable energy produced during periods of surplus, batteries help maintain grid stability and ensure power is available when it's most needed. Mullafarry BESS will be capable of storing enough to power the equivalent of over 75,000 homes for up to two hours at a time. 

-- Advertisement --

The Mullafarry project will also help balance electricity supply and demand, supporting Ireland’s transition to clean energy while also contributing to local economic development through jobs during construction and ongoing commercial rates payments to Mayo County Council. 

Discussing the project, Ghislain Demeuldre, Head of Onshore Wind, Solar and Battery Development at SSE Renewables, said: "Battery projects like Mullafarry are essential to storing surplus renewable energy and strengthening grid reliability. We're proud to continue investing in the West of Ireland and delivering clean energy infrastructure that benefits local communities and the wider energy system.

"The transition in our power sector is a crucial driver of economic activity across Ireland."

Final delivery of Mullafarry BESS is subject to a final investment decision by SSE.

For more information, visit: www.sserenewables.com/mullafarry.