SSE to build new 170MW power station in Duleek in €300m investment

SSE plc is to build a new €300m power station at Platin, Duleek with construction due to commence in Autumn.

According to a statement released by the SSE which employs 1,300 on the island of Ireland, the new plant due to commence construction in the Autumn will "strengthen security of supply and respond to periods of high demand in the Leinster region, while providing reliable back up power to increasing amounts of renewable energy on the system. Due to its flexibility, the station can be easily switched on and off as demand peaks."

Consisting of three separate units, the station - which has planning consent for up to 170MW - would be powered by Siemens Energy SGT-800 turbines and designed for long-term sustainability, with the capability to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a sustainable biofuel.

The statement adds that delivery of Platin Power Station represents a total capital investment of up to €300m and follows SSE’s decision, in February 2025, to progress Tarbert Next Generation Power Station in Co Kerry to construction. Platin Power Station is underpinned by a 10-year Capacity Market agreement, awarded in 2023, supporting Ireland’s energy security for the next decade.

SSE will also be seeking consent to run the station on natural gas, in addition to HVO, "to fully utilise the plant’s capability to meet Ireland’s energy needs."

The turbine technology also has the potential to convert to hydrogen when infrastructure, fuel availability and policy frameworks allow.

Finlay McCutcheon, Managing Director of SSE Thermal, said: “We’re pleased to be delivering a new power station at Platin, creating new and enduring jobs in the local area, while providing much needed flexible power generation to support security of supply and Ireland’s net zero ambitions.

“With two major investment decisions taken so far in 2025, totalling up to €600m, SSE is clear in its commitment to investing right across the energy system in Ireland. With onshore wind farms across the island and major plans to unlock Ireland’s offshore wind potential, we know firsthand the important role flexible generation will continue to play as we increase renewables on the system, and, critically, we are committed to ensuring the station has a pathway to future decarbonisation.

“We’re now focused on delivering Platin Power Station safely and efficiently in collaboration with our partners in Siemens Energy and Atlantic Project Company, and we look forward to working with the Irish Government to deliver future routes to decarbonisation.”

Darren Davison, Vice President for UK & Ireland at Siemens Energy, commented: “Working together with key partners like SSE, we’re focused on helping Ireland navigate the complexities of the energy transition, providing solutions to power its prosperity. The new power station at Platin, once completed, will provide flexible reliable power that is critical for Ireland’s energy security.”

A planning application was lodged with Meath County Council for the development in August 2023. Further information was subsequently sought and furnished and in February of last year Meath County Council granted planning permission. This decision was appealed to an Bord Pleanala by Solas 21, the Donore Heritage and Environmental Group. The planning board upheld the decision to grant planning permission in January of this year with revised conditions.

The proximity of the new SSE Thermal 170MW power plant at Carranstown and Caulstown, Platin, Duleek to schools and homes were among the main concerns of local residents, outlined in objections to the planning application back in 2023.

“The proposed location is in very close proximity to Mount Hanover National School and there are houses right beside it," said then Labour Cllr Elaine McGinty.

"This raises serious concerns about the impact on the health and safety of the local community, particularly children.”

The former councillor outlined her concerns about the proposed plant, in a submission on the planning application.

"I am echoing the concerns of many residents that have been in contact with me in recent days. They will all be submitting objections to the proposals, as they have serious concerns.

“While I understand and appreciate the urgent need for progress on energy generation, it is essential that such projects are undertaken with a responsible and sustainable approach that considers the wellbeing of the local community and the environment. I do not believe this is happening, in this case," she said.

In her submission, Cllr McGinty outlined the lack of road infrastructure to accommodate the development.

“One of the glaring issues with this development is the absence of new roads to accommodate the increased traffic and congestion in the area.

“The area is well-known and documented as a traffic and accident black spot by Gardai, residents and public representatives. The council have upgraded some parts of the road, but the fundamental issue of the current road network being already strained has yet to be addressed, and this proposed project is likely to exacerbate the situation.”

McGinty questioned the location of the project, saying: “It is worth considering the rationale behind locating the power plant in proximity to residential areas when its primary purpose is to serve the greater Dublin area. A more sensible approach would be to establish the plant closer to the urban area it is intended to serve and minimising the impact on East Meath."

The growing concentration of these kind of developments in this area of East Meath is also a concern for the Labour councillor, who said: “This industrial area in East Meath is unique in the country, to have such a concentration of high emission industries in one area is questionable.”

She expressed concern about the transparency around environmental impact of the plant from C02 emissions to air quality impact.

Commenting at the time of the application in August 2023, a spokesperson for SSE Thermal said: “Our proposed Platin power station would help meet growing electricity demand at a local, regional and national level by providing flexible power when the system needs it. The plant would run on sustainable biofuels which provide a lower carbon option than traditional fossil fuels with the potential to convert to hydrogen in the future.

"We are committed to working constructively with the local community and earlier this year held an in-person consultation event, and will continue to proactively engage as planning progresses. Should the project progress to construction, as a responsible company we would do everything possible to minimise disruption to the community.”

He said an Air Dispersion Modelling Report is included with the planning application to assess the impact of the proposed development on local ambient air quality.

"On traffic, an assessment of the potential traffic impact of the proposed development during both the construction and operational phases is included in our planning application. This shows that the impact on the road network is not considered significant."