SSE Renewables has acquired the development rights to the 120MW/240MWh Thornsberry Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in County Offaly, Ireland, from Low Carbon. The project, which has secured planning consent and a grid connection agreement, marks a significant step in SSE's strategic expansion of battery storage across Ireland.
Located near Tullamore, the Thornsberry project sits on a secured greenfield site and is poised to connect 120MW of import/export capacity to Ireland's grid via an adjacent 110kV substation. Capable of storing 240MWh, the system will offer flexible energy dispatch during peak demand, a vital function for grid stability as renewable integration intensifies. With construction potentially starting by the end of the decade, the project is expected to drive local job creation, supply chain benefits, and financial contributions through development fees and commercial rates to support County Offaly's essential services.
This acquisition strengthens SSE Renewables' secured battery pipeline in Ireland to 300MW, within a broader 1.8GW energy storage pipeline across Ireland and the UK. SSE Renewables is pursuing battery storage as part of its five-year Net Zero Acceleration Programme, aiming to diversify its renewable energy portfolio with a balanced mix of wind, solar, and battery technologies. According to Heather Donald, SSE's director for onshore wind, solar, and battery projects in the UK and Ireland, this project aligns with the region's legacy of supporting energy security and will bolster Ireland's decarbonization efforts.
The Thornsberry project also highlights Low Carbon's influential role in Ireland's storage market, as the developer currently manages 20% of the country's operational storage capacity. Low Carbon's CEO, Roy Bedlow, emphasized the critical role of battery storage in achieving a comprehensive renewable energy solution, enabling reliable round-the-clock power to support homes, businesses, and a greener grid.
This acquisition aligns SSE Renewables' growth with Ireland's transition to cleaner energy sources, leveraging battery storage to ensure stable and sustainable power for consumers while fostering economic growth in County Offaly and the wider Midlands.
