Engineering company GRAHAM has successfully installed what it calls a “state-of-the-art” battery energy storage system (BESS) at Dunmore Point Water Treatment Works (WTW) on behalf of long-standing client Northern Ireland Water (NI Water).
The 5.6MWh BESS will store surplus energy generated onsite from c.24,000 solar panels. During periods of low customer demand, NI Water will store this renewable energy to use later during peak times. As a result, the company will be able to power its operations at a lower cost and keep water flowing.
A key aspect of the battery is that it will also be able to provide flexible power back to the grid when required, helping to support grid stability, especially with growing variable renewable assets being added to the system, such as wind and solar.
PJ McCaffery, GRAHAM’s contracts director, stated that the company completed the project alongside Arup, NI Water, NI Electricity Networks, civil engineer Doran, Scotts Electrical and Fluence.
“We aim to deliver a lasting impact on all our projects by transforming and improving the built environment for the communities we serve,” said McCaffey. “This project is a fantastic example of innovation and our expertise in the water sector, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with NI Water on future projects.”
In other Northern Irish BESS news, green energy developer SSE Renewables confirmed last week (3 May) that it had acquired a 100MW/200MWh asset from Heron Energy in Dungannon, County Tyrone.
If delivered, the 2-hour duration Derrymeen battery will be the largest installed BESS facility in Northern Ireland. Subject to a final investment decision by SSE Renewables, the shovel-ready project will be constructed on a greenfield site located outside Coalisland, around five miles from Dungannon.
If approved for final delivery, construction could commence early next year and the BESS is expected to be operational by the end of 2026. It will connect to the grid via an underground cable to the nearby existing Tamnamore substation.
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