Lightsource bp to hold community consultation event for new Drumquin energy storage project proposal

Lightsource bp will be showcasing their proposal to fund, develop and operate a 100MW energy storage facility on nine acres of land at Curraghamulkin, near Drumquin, at a community information event on Wednesday 10th April.

Anyone with an interest in the project, and especially people living nearby are invited to attend the event, where Lightsource bp’s team will be available to discuss the proposals, answer questions, and listen to feedback. The event will be held at Drumquin Community Youth Centre, between 4pm and 8pm.

Energy storage facilities help further the integration of renewable energy into the grid, enabling wind and solar generation to provide more low-cost clean electricity, which provides energy security, and will help accelerate the transition to a low carbon future. The facility will have a capacity of 100MW and will be sited on nine acres of land, with a 40-year operational life.

Like all of Lightsource bp’s projects, the Drumquin energy storage facility includes a plan to ensure that the site is designed to additionally serve as a habitat for local wildlife. This will be achieved through planting, seeding and habitat creation focused on native species. Lightsource bp would like to hear from wildlife enthusiasts and local schools who may be interested in playing a role in the ongoing monitoring of wildlife on the site, as part of the company’s drive to contribute positively to all the communities hosting their projects.

The proposed site was selected due to its proximity to a local grid connection, specifically the Drumquin 110kV substation, which is fewer than 50 meters away. The site is well-screened by hills and trees, to reduce significantly any impact on the landscape.

Aidan Collins, Head of Environmental Planning UK & Ireland, Lightsource bp said:

“Energy storage projects are a vital part of transitioning to a low-carbon electricity network, allowing us to balance the grid and increase the amount of locally-generated renewable energy used across Northern Ireland. This decreases our reliance on traditional fuels, contributes positively to our energy security and can lower electricity prices. Energy storage is an important part of meeting the rise in electricity demand efficiently and more sustainably, which is a core part of Lightsource bp’s sustainability mission.

“We want to ensure that local communities in and around the proposed location have all the information they need about this project. We’re holding this information event to speak to residents of the local community, elected representatives, local businesses and other interested parties, and to gather feedback. This event is also a great way for the community to ask any questions they may have about the project or energy storage in general.”

Residents can obtain further information on the project, at any time, by getting in touch with the Lightsource bp team via drumquin@lanyongroup.com