Tullabeg BESS

Tullabeg BESS

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) stores electricity and supplies it back to the grid when it is needed. BESS helps support the electricity network by improving flexibility, reducing congestion, and supporting renewable energy such as solar and wind.

A BESS site is a compact, fenced facility made up of battery units, control equipment, and underground grid connections. Sites are carefully designed with safety, environmental protection, and landscaping in mind and are located close to existing electricity infrastructure where possible.

All BESS projects are subject to the planning process and environmental assessment. They are designed for a defined operational lifespan and can be decommissioned and restored at the end of their use.

Project Information

The project involves the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which captures electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar, and redistributes it to the grid when necessary. This technology plays an important role in supporting renewable energy and grid stability.

The development will include:

• 136 battery energy storage units
• 17 twin skids
• 1 control room
• 1 water tank
• 1 spare parts container
• 3 parking spaces
• Underground cabling
• Security fencing with access gates
• 4 CCTV posts and 14 lighting posts
• A temporary construction compound
• New and upgraded access tracks
• Landscaping and associated ancillary works

All works will be carried out in line with planning and environmental requirements.

Access to the Application Site will be provided from an existing access point off the L5092 to the southwest of the Application Site. The development will have an operational capacity of up to 100-megawatt peak and is designed to have an operational lifetime of 35 years.

Project Sitemap

An overview map showing the project boundaries and key local roads for context.

Benefits from this project

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play an increasingly important role in supporting Ireland’s electricity network as demand for power continues to grow.

BESS projects store electricity when it is available and release it back to the grid when it is needed most. This helps the electricity system operate more efficiently and reliably, particularly during periods of high demand or when renewable generation is variable.

• Supporting a Stronger Electricity Grid: BESS projects provide essential grid support services that help balance supply and demand. By responding quickly to changes on the network, battery storage can help manage congestion, support local electricity infrastructure, and improve overall grid resilience.
• Enabling Renewable Energy: Battery storage works alongside renewable energy projects such as solar and wind. By storing renewable electricity when production is high and releasing it when demand increases, BESS helps limit curtailment and makes better use of existing renewable generation.
• Improving Security of Supply: Energy storage provides flexible, dispatchable power that can support the grid at critical times. This contributes to a more reliable electricity system, helping to meet peak demand and support future growth in electricity use.
• Compact and Appropriate Development: BESS developments typically have a small physical footprint and are carefully located close to existing grid infrastructure, such as substations. This makes them well suited to a range of locations while minimising land take and visual impact.
• Temporary and Reversible Infrastructure: Battery projects are designed for a defined operational lifespan. At the end of this period, the equipment can be removed and the site decommissioned in accordance with approved plans.
• Consideration of Environment and Safety: All BESS projects are subject to detailed planning and environmental assessment. Design measures include landscaping, controlled access, and safety systems to ensure the development operates responsibly within its surroundings.

The proposed development consists of a 10-year planning permission for the construction of, and a 40-year operation.

Supporting Information

The design of the BESS is directly informed and guided by extensive range of survey data collected from the site. The application will be accompanied by supporting information including: Planning and Environmental Considerations Report that examines the potential impacts of the solar farm in respect of:

• Population
• Biodiversity
• Water
• Noise
• Visual impact and impact on the landscape
• Cultural Heritage
• Traffic and Transport

Application Process

Construction Environmental Management Plan (that will finalised and agreed with the County Council before any construction work takes place)

• Restoration/decommissioning plan

• Appropriate Assessment Screening Report /Natura Impact Statement
• Glint and Glare Assessment
• Landscape Management Plan

Our goal is to deliver clean, renewable energy while creating lasting benefits for the local community and environment. By listening, sharing updates, and engaging openly, we can ensure the solar farm reflects local priorities and provides real value for everyone.

We welcome any questions or feedback regarding the Tullabeg BESS. Please complete the form below and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

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