Experience
ETI - Ballyharry Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Located on lands to the south of Newtownards Electricity Substation, this project proposes a 60MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Solar PV panels with an associated control centre, office and parking provision.
Energy Trading Ireland Ltd.
Energy
Ballyharry Business Park, Newtownards
Live
Our Involvement
Northern Ireland currently produces up to 65 percent of its electricity through renewable sources such as wind and solar - one of the highest renewable generation rates in the world. Electricity produced in this manner is however only available for use when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining, which often falls outside times of peak consumer demand. As a consequence, a significant proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources goes to waste and the electricity network is forced to rely upon more reliable forms of generation (e.g. coal and gas) which at times, cannot cope quickly enough to meet demand. By the same token, there are times when the electricity supply outstrips demand, and storage systems are required to stabilise the grid and protect it from overloading.
ETI has been trading in the all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM) since 2015 and specialises in Energy Trading, Demand Side Reduction and Power Generation. The proposed BESS facility at Ballyharry Business Park encapsulates all three. By providing an outlet for renewable electricity that would otherwise go to waste and allowing it to be released back onto the grid at times of peak demand, the BESS facility would both guarantee security of supply and ensure that renewable assets can be maximised in our bid to meet generate 80 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050. Furthermore, by bolstering supply during times of peak demand (and reducing our reliance on volatile foreign markets such as that for gas), BESS facilities such as the proposed £25 million investment by ETI can lower energy prices for consumers.
This type of energy storage technology is supported by SONI, the electricity grid operator in Northern Ireland as part of their DS3 program and is an essential part of our energy mix.
The Ballyharry BESS installation proposes the use of Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) battery technology which is a proven technology equipped with a number of multi-layered safety protocols and has been specifically selected for the Ballyharry site to ensure compatibility with surrounding development and habitat.