Battery energy storage system gets go ahead in County Roscommon
A number of people have expressed their objections to the development on a range of grounds. Pic: iStock
Plans for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near the shores of Lough Allen have been given the planning go-ahead despite local concerns.
BESS systems are used to store excess energy from the power grid, so it can be later used when electricity demand is high.
Roscommon County Council has granted planning to Arigna LDES Ltd for the development on the site of the former Argina Power Generating Station, which is adjacent to the existing 110kV Arigna substation.
The development, on a 1.6-hectares site, includes the installation of 56 battery containers and medium voltage power stations at Tawlaght & Srabragan, Lough Allen, Roscommon. The site is located just off the R280, approximately 10km from Drumkeeran. Lough Allen borders the proposed development site to the east.
A number of people have expressed their objections to the development on a range of grounds, including health and safety, the potential for the facility to cause fire, and devaluation of property in the vicinity. Some of those who submitted their objections to the planning applications raised concerns about lithium-ion batteries presenting a risk of major hazard due “to the risk of failure”.
However, in response to further information requested, the company submitted an emergency response plan to the satisfaction of the planning authority.
Separately, permission is being sought for a similar development in Ballaghaderreen, comprising 44 battery blocks.
Grid System Services Ltd has lodged plans with the council to develop an energy storage system, which will connect to the nearby ESB Tonroe 110kV electricity substation on land at Ballyoughter, Ballaghaderreen. The proposed development will in Ballaghaderreen have a projected life span of 35 years.
