A community group in Inishowen is to appeal a decision to grant planning permission for the construction of Europe’s first ‘iron-air’ battery storage project in the area.
Donegal County Council has given the green light to Future Ireland Development for 248 shipping containers at Ballynahone, Buncrana. The proposed ‘Ballynahone Energy Storage,’ will be the company’s first battery storage project and, they said, the first of its kind in Europe.
The site will have a total surface area of 7.1 acres (2.9 hectares) and include a substation, transformers and fencing. FuturEnergy Ireland, a joint venture company between Coillte and ESB, said the project is designed to use iron-air battery technology capable of discharging energy at its full power output for up to 100 hours when fully charged.
In making its decision, council planners said there were ‘no health and safety issues associated with the proposal’ and that it will not have a ‘significant impact’ on the local environment.
“The proposal is sustainable in nature and will assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable energy infrastructure as part of Ireland’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2050,” planners said.
However, a local group said it will appeal the council’s permission for the ‘unwanted’ development in the Buncrana and Fahan area to An Bord Pleanála (ABP).
They posted a statement on the Buncrana – Fahan Against Untested Battery Storage Facebook page.
“Now, we’re expected to live with this on our doorstep. It seems like decisions like this are influenced by factors other than the best interests of the community,” they said.
“We strongly feel our concerns were not treated fairly or openly, leaving us with little confidence in our planning authority’s decision-making. It’s deeply disappointing, and looks like we’ll need to keep fighting. The next step is taking this to An Bord Pleanála.”
Locals gather at the proposed site of the planned Ballynahone Energy Storage plant.
