SSE to host community information event for Derrymeen BESS construction project

SSE has announced it will host a community information event for local businesses and the wider community in County Tyrone to learn more about its in-construction Derrymeen battery energy storage system (BESS) project and potential supply chain opportunities.

The event is being held at The Cohannon Inn, Dungannon, on Thursday April 9 from 4pm to 7.30pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Derrymeen BESS project, meet members of the project team and ask questions about the development and its construction programme.

The information event follows confirmation earlier this year that SSE Renewables has begun preparation and site enabling works at the Derrymeen site ahead of construction activity commencing in the coming months.

The Derrymeen BESS project will be constructed on lands beside the Tamnamore 275/110kV substation near Dungannon and southwest of Ballynakilly Road, Coalisland.

SSE Renewables has confirmed the appointment of Kirby Group Engineering and Sungrow as main contractors for the Derrymeen BESS project. Kirby will support the construction and integration of the battery storage facility including Balance of Plant (BoP) works, while Sungrow will supply the battery energy storage system technology for the project.

Where possible, SSE Renewables will also work with local suppliers and businesses during construction with opportunities expected across civil engineering works, electrical contractors, site services and other construction-related supply chain opportunities. Construction activity at the site is expected to continue until late 2027 following completion of early enabling works currently underway.

Further information about these potential supply chain opportunities will be provided at the upcoming community information event.

Patrick Greene, Construction Projects Director at SSE Renewables, said:

“As we progress the Derrymeen BESS project into construction, it’s important local communities and businesses have the opportunity to find out more about what we’re delivering and how it will be built. We look forward to meeting with community members and local businesses and suppliers at our upcoming community information event. It will be a great opportunity for people to meet with the project team, learn more about the construction programme and understand where there may be opportunities for local suppliers and contractors to get involved. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment at SSE to engaging directly with community members and local businesses as construction activity ramps up in the months ahead.”

Delivery of new flexible energy infrastructure at Derrymeen marks another important contribution by SSE Renewables towards strengthening Northern Ireland’s electricity network by providing flexible storage capacity to support renewable generation and enhance security of supply.

When fully operational, 100MW Derrymeen battery storage facility will have two hours of electricity storage capacity, equivalent to 200MWh. This available power storage source will support the integration of renewable electricity onto the grid while helping enhance security of supply by storing electricity when generation is high and releasing it back to the system when demand increases.