€8 million EU funding boost for Islandmagee power plant in Northern Ireland

• 7 years ago (2016-08-02)
• David Flin

Europe 1061

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Dublin-based renewable energy company Gaelectric plans to build a compressed are energy storage (CAES) facility near Ballylumford. The scheme, which represents an investment of £800 million, would see the creation of underground caverns to store energy in the form of compressed air. Salt deposits up to 1500m below ground have been selected as a location for the caverns.

The proposed facility, which is currently being considered by planners, has been the subject of some controversy. Environmentalists have raised concerns over the proposed impact of discharged brine on local marine life.