SSE Submits Planning Application to Transform Tarbert Power Station in Ireland into Sustainable Biofuel Facility

SSE has submitted a planning application to develop its Tarbert Power Station in Co Kerry, Ireland into a sustainable biofuel facility. The 350 megawatt power station will use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable biofuel, which can potentially be converted to hydrogen in the future. The transition to biofuels reflects SSE’s commitment to a low-carbon future while ensuring energy supply security. The planning application states that the power station will initially create around 14 jobs with a high degree of automation. HVO offers a lower-carbon alternative to diesel and natural gas, making it a more environmentally friendly option for power generation. SSE’s existing Tarbert Power Station is set to close this year in line with its environmental license, and a redundancy process has been conducted in collaboration with affected staff. SSE Thermal also plans to develop another HVO power station in Platin, Co Meath, supported by a 10-year capacity agreement beginning in the 2026/27 delivery year. In addition, SSE Thermal is involved in the 150MW Temporary Emergency Generation project at Tarbert. Furthermore, ongoing research in Ireland indicates that 90% of networked gas users’ equipment is compatible with blends of 20% hydrogen, suggesting the country’s readiness for blended hydrogen adoption. The development of a biofuel power plant in Kerry exemplifies SSE’s dedication to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources for County Kerry and beyond.