Our Proposals
Valor Power proposes the development of a 150MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility located at Lislunnan Road, Kells, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The site is 0.95 hectares (2.37 acres) and comprises low-grade farmland near the existing Kells substation, strategically positioned within the System Operator for Northern Ireland’s (SONI) designated renewable energy cluster. This location is particularly advantageous due to its proximity to renewable energy sources and existing grid infrastructure, allowing for easy connection to the electricity grid.
Supporting NI’s Renewable Energy Targets
The proposal will help to advance Northern Ireland's commitment to achieving 80% renewable electricity consumption by 2030 as mandated by the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
By deploying BESS infrastructure we can increase the integration of renewable energy (generated through wind and solar) back into the grid. The infrastructure effectively manages the fluctuating energy supply and demand needs to ensure our energy supply is stable and reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Safety of BESS Projects
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have increasingly become essential components of the UK's renewable energy strategy, enabling greater integration of intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar into the national grid. The safety of BESS installations is a paramount consideration with any development proposal.
BESS installations must adhere to specific site safety requirements, including adequate ventilation, robust fire suppression systems, and emergency response plans tailored to local fire services' capabilities.
Moreover, ongoing advancements in battery technology and system design continue to enhance safety features within BESS projects. Innovations such as improved battery management systems (BMS), thermal control mechanisms, and early-warning diagnostics contribute significantly to minimising operational risks.
All of the battery systems used as part of this proposal are certified to the latest international standards including, designed to prevent thermal runaway and fires from starting in the first place. 24/7 monitoring, fire suppression systems and adequate spacing between containers are also commonly used in the design of BESS to ensure safety across the site and to the surrounding areas.
Valor Power have taken a proactive stance on adopting a best practice approach when it comes to operational safety of their developments to safeguard communities and the environment as much as possible.
As part of the planning process, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) will be consulted to consider the fire safety provisions and mitigation measures being proposed as part of the application.
Existing View
Proposed View
Landscape & Visual Screening Approach
Careful planning and environmental considerations are central to our approach, and we are conducting a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) to ensure that the proposed infrastructure is designed and positioned to minimise visual impact on the surrounding landscape.
The purpose of the LVIA is to identify the level and nature of effect arising from a proposal, and if necessary, inform changes to the development and propose mitigation to minimise significant effects, if necessary.
Our LVIA assessment, carried out by Park Hood Landscape and Visual Consultants, concluded that the site is considered an appropriate location for the development in landscape and visual terms. The proposal will have no unacceptable effects on the landscape character or visual amenity of the application site and Lislunnan Road and Hillhead area.
Why this location?
The wider Kells area has been designated as a key cluster for renewable energy by the grid operator SONI. This is part of a wider strategic approach to connecting renewable power projects to the electricity grid, as efficiently as possible with minimal disruption.
The Lislunnan Road BESS project aligns with broader efforts of the NI Executive to enhance the renewable energy network in Northern Ireland. By grouping multiple renewable energy projects into a single connection point, the need for multiple separate grid connections is reduced.
Additionally, the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure is a critical element in order to ensure that Northern Ireland reaches its renewable energy targets in 2030 and beyond. The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 puts a legal requirement on the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver a rate of 80% of energy produced in NI to come from renewable energy sources.
To achieve this, NI requires a range of supporting infrastructure to ensure the efficient utilisation of renewable energy, with BESS identified as a core element of the required infrastructure.
Cluster connections connect sources of renewable power in close proximity. The aims is to create as little disturbance as possible, ensuring that energy infrastructure can be interconnected with ease, creating a supporting energy ecosystem.
