The Tarbert Next Generation Power Station project, led by SSE in County Kerry, has now moved into its full construction phase.

This follows the successful completion of early enabling works on the site, with foundation work and civil engineering now fully underway.

This development represents a major step forward for the project, which involves an investment of up to €300 million. Crucially, the new 'peaker' power station will be the first of its kind in Ireland to operate using sustainable biofuels. With a generation capacity of 300MW, the facility is designed to provide flexible and reliable power, significantly bolstering Ireland's security of energy supply and supporting the transition towards an electricity system dominated by renewable sources.

The construction of the new station marks a new era for the historic site, succeeding the original oil-fired plant which was decommissioned in 2023 after operating for more than 50 years.

At the peak of its delivery schedule, the construction project is expected to sustain 200 full-time jobs. Once completed in 2027, the plant will create 14 new full-time roles for the day-to-day running of the station, providing enduring employment opportunities for the local area.

The Tarbert Next Generation Power Station will run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a biofuel sourced entirely from waste feedstocks. This fuel will be supplied in strict adherence to the EU RED II sustainability standards. This pioneering approach provides a lower-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels and is fully aligned with Ireland's long-term climate and energy objectives. Furthermore, SSE is taking steps to ensure the site is future-proofed for hydrogen conversion, guaranteeing that Tarbert can continue its vital role in Ireland's energy sector for decades to come.

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Visiting the site to mark the significant construction milestone, Councillor Michael Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, commented: "Tarbert Power Station has long been a cornerstone of our community and economy. I have a personal connection as my late father worked on its construction in the 1960s, and he always spoke fondly of that time. Today's progress marks a new chapter for Tarbert, sustaining employment and inspiring confidence in North Kerry's future. SSE's continued investment here is a catalyst for growth and a signal that this region can thrive as part of Ireland's energy transition."

Steve Lynch, Project Manager at SSE Thermal, stated: "We're delighted to have started construction on Tarbert Next Generation Power Station. As Ireland's first power station to run on sustainable biofuels, it's a cutting-edge project and represents a fitting next chapter in the site's proud history."

He added that the company's commitment goes beyond this single project: "We're committed to delivering the energy infrastructure Ireland needs as we transition to a low-carbon power system. This project, combined with our Platin Power Station in Co. Meath, represents a total investment of up to €600m in the country's flexible generation capacity."

SSE selected Ansaldo Energia and the Limerick-headquartered Atlantic Projects Company (APC) as the lead partners for the development. Ansaldo's AE94.3A turbine was chosen to offer the necessary flexibility and reliability required for the Open Cycle Gas Turbine plant, with APC providing balance of plant services.

Charles E. Collins, Managing Director of Atlantic Project Company, stated: "At Atlantic Projects Company, we are proud to be part of the transformative journey in Ireland's energy sector through Engineering, Procurement and Construction of the Tarbert Next Generation Power Station. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will play a crucial role in the country's growing need for energy demand."