SSE Renewables has appointed Kirby Group Engineering and Sungrow as the main contractors for the 100 MW/200 MWh Derrymeen battery energy storage system in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, marking a significant construction milestone for the project. Kirby Group will handle construction and integration of the facility, while Sungrow will supply the battery energy storage technology.

Renews.biz reported that the Derrymeen BESS is located beside the Tamnamore 275/110kV substation near Dungannon, and will connect directly to the substation to participate in the all-island integrated Single Electricity Market. The project has secured a ten-year Capacity Remuneration Market contract set to begin in October 2028.

Patrick Greene, construction projects director at SSE Renewables, said that as the Derrymeen BESS project progresses into construction, it is important that local communities and businesses have the opportunity to find out more about what is being delivered and how it will be built, and that the community information event planned for 9 April would allow people to meet the project team and understand where local suppliers and contractors may have opportunities to get involved.

SSE Renewables took a final investment decision on the Derrymeen project in December 2025 following design refinements and consultation with the local council. The facility will provide two hours of storage capacity, sufficient to supply the equivalent of over 135,000 homes in Northern Ireland during periods of peak demand.

The project is expected to support up to 30 full-time jobs at peak construction. Northern Ireland has set a target of 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2030, with battery storage identified as a critical enabler of grid flexibility and security of supply as renewable capacity continues to grow.

Read the full report on the Derrymeen BESS contractor appointments.