Irish renewable energy group Strategic Power Projects will receive a grid connection offer to develop a new 185 megawatt (MW) hybrid solar and battery storage project in Co Louth.
The project, located outside of Dundalk at Monvallet, adjacent to the interconnector, was the single largest project on Eirgrid's latest ECP (Enduring Connection Policy) list of connection offers.
It was granted approval by Louth County Council in September. The 60 hectare (150 acre) site is expected to generate 50MW of green electricity when fully operational.
It also includes one of the largest battery storage facilities at 135MW which will provide system services and security of supply to the grid, after warnings of system black outs in Ireland "caused alarm recently", the company said.
The firm also led the development of a similar hybrid scheme at Garr, Co Offaly, with a capacity of 135MW.
Managing director Paul Carson said: "We are extremely pleased with the outcome in Monvallet and are dedicated to working closely with all stakeholders including Eirgrid and ESB to ensure transparency of our long-term approach and to generate a thorough understanding of what these solar and battery assets will achieve for a brighter and cleaner future in Ireland."
Partnership
Strategic Power is investing €1 billion in 16 projects capable of providing electricity to an estimated 630,000 homes.
The company confirmed last month that it had formed a partnership with alternative asset manager Gresham House to build solar electricity and battery storage throughout Ireland.
Strategic Power’s 16 projects include solar power, battery storage and biogas (gas derived from organic waste). While solar PV cells convert the sun’s energy to electricity, the battery storage allows the power to be supplied more evenly.
