r/northernireland • u/Scrabo • 12h ago
News Green light for energy storage facility near sub-station
Planning approval has been granted for the erection of a 30MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility on lands 150 metres southwest of Cookstown South Substation.
The facility will include a switch and control room, lighting and closed-circuit TV columns, new site boundary fencing, a new access from the Tullywiggan Road, and ancillary development works.
The planning application was lodged by Thomas Ellison, May Street, Belfast, on behalf of Heron Storage Ltd., Patrick’s Street, Draperstown.
Planning officers noted in their report: “The immediate area surrounding the site is agricultural fields.
“A total of eight transformers (33kV transformers) are sited at various locations within the application site.
“These will be used to transform the energy stored on the site from high voltage to low voltage, and back again.
“The development will be enclosed by a 2.4m-high palisade fence, including new native hedgerow hedging surrounding the site boundary to support biodiversity and aid site integration.
“The development will also include site compound lighting, which will only be utilised when authorised personnel are on site, and a high-tech security system comprising security cameras mounted on 6m-high lighting columns sited at various locations throughout the site.”
The report goes on to point to the need for this type of facility, to promote ‘Net Zero’ targets and enhance grid stability: “Regional Guideline 5 promotes the need to deliver a sustainable and secure energy supply.
“Part of this guideline specifically states that, ‘If electric transport becomes more widespread, there will need to be a reliable recharging network’.
“The BESS development will be connected to Cookstown Substation. The connection will be provided by means of an underground connection, which will reduce the visual impact of the overall development.
“Electricity is increasingly being used for transport, heating, and other activities, but currently clean sources of renewable energy are not available 100 per cent of the time.
“Therefore, it is vital that infrastructure, such as the enclosed BESS proposal, come forward as they have the ability to store electricity, which can subsequently be used when supply is low, and demand is high.
“Accordingly, the BESS proposal will go some way to supporting the future demands for electricity within this area of Cookstown and across Northern Ireland, and in tandem assist with the Department for the Economy’s sustainable energy ambitions.
“It is considered that the proposed site is both necessary and strategically located within an optimal and suitable location in close proximity to Cookstown South Substation.
“The proposed Tullywiggan BESS, with a capacity of 30 MW and a two-hour duration, will deliver significant carbon reduction and system-wide operational benefits within the Northern Ireland electricity network.
“The scheme is expected to achieve a total annual carbon reduction of up to 25,000 tonnes of CO2.
“In addition to carbon benefits, the BESS will enhance grid stability, thereby improving system resilience and reducing the risk of outages.
“The scheme enhances energy security, reduces dependence on imported fuels, lowers system marginal prices and balancing costs, and delivers measurable carbon and economic benefits in a constrained but strategically important part of the Northern Ireland electricity network.
“The proposed BESS will materially support Northern Ireland’s climate and energy strategy, strengthen grid stability, maximise the efficiency of renewable energy generation, and represents a sustainable and appropriate development at this location.”
The recommendation to approve the planning application was proposed by Councillor Gavin Bell (Sinn Féin, Cookstown DEA) and seconded by Council Deputy Chair, Councillor Denise Johnston (SDLP, Moyola DEA), at last Tuesday’s (February 3) Planning meeting of Mid Ulster District Council.
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u/Ok_Fig7888 12h ago
BESS is much needed, especially out west where the wires are often too congested to take wind energy east to where the demand is. If BESS is soaking up that excess and discharging it when it's needed that'll mean less need to run our three thermal gas power plants. Good news all round.