Energy storage systems are crucial in helping manage the increasingly complex supply and demand needs of the 21st Century and meeting Northern Ireland's net zero targets. They provide reliable and safe ways of managing intermittent and weather-dependent electricity generation from renewables and are considered the fastest technology for responding to a sudden spike in demand, or an abrupt loss of supply, helping maintain the grid network balance to avoid blackouts and grid failure.
They are typically located close to substations, as in the case of Killymallaght, to limit electrical losses and ensure efficiency of the system as well as minimizing any potential environmental impacts. Detailed site surveys have been carried out for Killymallaght, as well as pre-application consultation, to ensure that any potential impact upon the environment, landscape, heritage and local residents is minimized.
“One of the key points raised during local consultation on this project was the importance of screening the site” said Peter Deeney, Development Project Manager for RES. “The proposal will include earth bunds with native planting as well as infill hedgerow planting to reduce visibility and enhance biodiversity. We also received questions about whether the site may pose a risk to food security by preventing livestock grazing. In reality, one of the biggest risks to food security is climate change; “Energy storage schemes like Killymallaght can enable and accelerate the rollout of renewable energy - directly tackling the effects of climate change.”
RES has been working in the battery energy storage market for a decade. Having developed over 700 MW of energy storage projects across the UK and Ireland and currently managing over 600 MW of operational storage projects with 24/7/365 monitoring provided from their Glasgow-based control centre.
Killymallaght energy storage proposal is expected to go before Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee in the next few months and, if consented, would take around 12 months to build.
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