SSE has acquired the project development rights for a 120MW/240MWh grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Co Offaly.
The Thornsberry grid-scale project near Tullamore could power over 115,000 Irish homes for up to two hours at a time.
If approved for final delivery, the company said it could be contracted and operational by the end of the decade.
The purchase from UK-based renewable energy company Low Carbon marks another step forward for SSE Renewables, as it continues to grow its battery storage development portfolio on the island of Ireland.
"Acquiring the consented Thornsberry project in County Offaly is another great step forward in our plans to grow SSE Renewables' battery storage development portfolio in Ireland," said Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar and Battery - UK and Ireland, SSE Renewables.
"The addition of this grid-scale project can make an important contribution to the delivery of SSE’s fully funded five-year Net Zero Acceleration Programme, while also advancing the diversity of the technologies in our portfolio," she added.
Thornsberry is on a secured greenfield site in the townlands of Derrynagall and Ballydaly with planning consent for a grid-scale BESS.
It has a grid connection offer to connect 120MW of import/export capacity to Ireland's national grid via an adjacent existing 110kV substation.
"The proposed battery system would be capable of storing up to 240MWh of energy for flexible dispatch at times of peak demand," said Ms Donald.
"When called upon, Thornsberry would be capable of providing back-up energy to the equivalent of over 115,000 Irish homes for up to two hours at a time, while also delivering essential balancing services to Ireland’s energy system," she added.
SSE said this project would be expected to provide a boost to the supply chain and job creation in Co Offaly and the wider midlands during delivery.
