A public consultation for the proposed Tinnycross battery energy storage system (BESS), to be located north-east of Tullamore, County Offaly, will be held on Thursday, May 8.

The event, hosted by SSE, will be held at St Mary's Youth and Community Centre, Harbour Street, Tullamore, from 2.30pm to 8.30pm. Whilst here, members of the SSE Renewables project team will be available to provide more information, answer questions, and gather feedback from the public.

Tinnycross BESS (formerly known as Thornsberry BESS) is a proposed, grid-scale 120MW/240MWh battery energy storage system to be located on a greenfield site.

The project would be capable of powering the equivalent of over 115,000 Irish homes for up to two hours at a time, during times of peak demand. Tinnycross BESS would also help balance the national grid, provide backup energy when the wind isn't blowing, or the sun isn't shining. 

Ghislain Demeuldre, Ireland Head of Onshore Wind, Solar and Battery Development, SSE Renewables, said:  "Battery storage has a vital role to play in helping Ireland decarbonise its electricity system by storing the increasing levels of renewable energy generated from sources like solar and wind farms. Tinnycross will bring a range of benefits and opportunities to the local community and economy through direct and indirect job creation, supporting the local supply chain and commercial rates contributions. We are eager to meet with the local community and get their feedback on our plans to develop Tinnycross BESS."  

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It's anticipated the project can play an important role in providing the flexible power storage Ireland needs to back up a renewables-led energy system, improving energy security, and meeting decarbonisation commitments under Ireland's Climate Action Plans.

The project is expected to provide economic benefits to the region, including the payment of development contributions and commercial rates, which would support essential local authority services in County Offaly.

Tinnycross BESS was acquired by SSE in late 2024 as a fully consented battery energy storage project. A revised planning application will be submitted to Offaly County Council to reflect updates in the design of the project. Subject to receiving the necessary planning consent and a final investment decision by SSE, the project could enter construction and be operational by the end of the decade. 

In addition to the in-person public consultation event, project materials and an online feedback form will be available on the project website from May 8 until May 29. Residents can access these materials and submit their feedback at www.sserenewables.com/tinnycross during this period.  

For more information or any queries about the project or consultation evening, contact the Community Liaison Team at [email protected].