SSE's site at Tarbet in Co Kerry

Airtricity owner SSE is to push ahead with the construction of a €300m power station at Tarbert in Co Kerry.

The new power plant, which will be able to generate 300MW of electricity, will use sustainable biofuel and will be future-proofed to use hydrogen.

The decision to build a power station at Tarbert follows the closure of the original plant, which was owned by SSE, in 2023, in line with environmental requirements. The site has been generating electricity for more than 50 years.

UK-headquartered SSE had operated a total of 620MW of generating capacity at the site, comprising two 60MW and two 250MW oil-fired turbines. Its principal function was to help maintain security of supply in Ireland’s all-island single electricity market, by being available to operate on short notice during periods of high energy demand.

In addition to the new power station that is to be built, SSE Thermal has also delivered a temporary emergency generation project at the site at the request of Irish authorities. The 150MW temporary generation capacity, which will cease operations no later than March 2028, was commissioned in January this year.

SSE said that enabling works for the new power station are now underway ahead of full construction commencing later this year. It’s anticipated that construction will be completed by the end of 2027.

Planning permission for the project was secured last year from An Bord Pleanála after what SSE said was a “robust” consultation process with local stakeholders.

The new power station will use an open cycle gas turbine powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil.

Fiona McCutcheon, managing director of SSE Thermal, said committing to the project is a “landmark moment” for Tarbet.

“In taking this final investment decision, we are underlining our commitment to delivering the next generation of power at the site, supporting Ireland’s electricity system and laying the foundations for a low-carbon future,” she said.

SSE Thermal has selected Ansaldo Energia and Limerick-headquartered Atlantic Projects Company (APC) as its lead partners on the project.

With the plant designed to be able to use hydrogen, it could benefit from the potential supply of the fuel in the future.

Some developers of offshore wind farms around Ireland expect that electricity generated from the huge projects will be used to manufacture hydrogen at facilities back on shore.