Energy Firm Says Its Application For Kildare Battery Field Is Required To Provide Electricity Supply Security.

Monday, 31 May 2021 12:38

The proposed facility is designed to store electricity and release it on to the national grid.

The firm behind a proposal of a battery field in a rural part of Co. Kildare says the infrastructure is necessary to ensure security of supply.

Strategic Power Projects Limited is seeking 10 year planning permission for an enclosed battery energy storage system compound.

It's proposed footprint is 4.089 hectares, containing 76 battery storage units.

The firm also wants to install CCTV on the site, and create a new access point via the L6044.

KCC's planners are scheduled to issue a decision on June 30th.

The proposed facility is designed to store electricity and release it on to the national grid at times when demand for power is higher than supply.

A local group, Two Mile House Says No, has voiced its opposition to the project, over what they describe as fire safety concerns.

The 10-acre installation planned for Dunnstown, near Two Mile House, is one of the largest proposed in Ireland to date and locals say it presents an unacceptable hazard to their community. https://t.co/2erBl8iHMc
— Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) May 28, 2021

The firm is also engaged in a Pre-Application Consultation Request with An Bord Pleanala, on "Proposed development of a 220kV substation and grid connection at existing Dunnstown 400kV substation"

That application was lodged on April 23rd and a decision is due on August 26th.

Paul Carson is Chief Executive of Strategic Power Projects, Limited.

He joined Clem Ryan and Eoin Beatty on Monday's edition of Kildare Today.; an invitation was issued to a representative of Two Mile House Says No, but they were unavailable to partake.