Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has issued the decision notice for a 150MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developed by Valor Power at Kells, near Antrim.
The issuing of the decision notice marks a significant stage for investment in critical grid infrastructure, strengthening Northern Ireland’s electricity network and accelerating the transition to a secure, low-carbon energy system, allowing the applicant to move
Located on lands off the Lislunnan Road, approximately 800 metres from Kells Substation, the development will comprise a 150MW Battery Energy Storage Systeme (BESS) facility including battery enclosures, a 110kV substation, associated transformers, switch house and control building (with rooftop photovoltaic panels), landscaping, drainage infrastructure and a new access arrangement
Planning approval was granted at February’s meeting of the council’s planning committee following detailed assessment across policy, environmental, ecological, drainage, access and safety considerations.
Whilst BESS is not a renewable energy generator in itself, it plays a critical enabling role in supporting renewable electricity. As outlined within the officer’s report, BESS facilities are required to stabilise the grid by absorbing excess electricity during periods of high renewable generation and releasing it during peak demand, helping to replace fossil fuel reliance and improve system resilience.
The site forms part of what the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) has identified as the ‘Kells Cluster’ – an area strategically positioned to connect renewable energy projects to the transmission network.
Valor Power continues to establish itself as a proactive and delivery-focused infrastructure developer across the Island of Ireland. The 150MW project demonstrates Valors’ commitment to investing in essential energy infrastructure in strategically appropriate locations, supporting Northern Ireland’s decarbonisation and energy security objectives as we move towards 2030.
Northern Ireland has some of the highest levels of wind penetration in Europe, with renewable generation, predominantly onshore wind, frequently accounting for over 40-50% of electricity consumption. However, the Single Electricity Market (SEM) operates within technical limits designed to protect grid stability.
A 150MW BESS at Kells will help manage the changes in wind generation by storing excess electricity during periods of high output and releasing it when generation falls or the grid required it. This flexibility is essential in enabling SONI to safely operate the grid with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation.
In practical terms, this means that more wind energy can be used rather than constrained and the electrical grid’s stability can be maintained while increasing renewable utilisation, supporting efforts towards a greater decarbonised energy network by 2030.
Christopher McAnearney, Director at Valor Power said:
“We welcome the Council’s decision to issue the decision notice for our 150MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development at Kells. This project represents a major investment in Northern Ireland’s energy infrastructure and will play a vital role in stabilising the electricity network as renewable generation and output continues to grow.
We have worked closely with statutory consultees to design a scheme that integrates responsibly into its rural setting while delivering critical grid support. Valor Power remains committed to supporting the Island of Ireland’s transition to a secure, native and low-carbon energy future.”
Preparatory works on the site are expected to progress following discharge of planning conditions.