RES has submitted a planning application for its Ballyross Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
The Larne-based renewable energy company said the project site lies about 2km southwest of Gleno and 8.5km southwest of Larne, close to Ballyvallagh substation.
The location was selected to maximise connection efficiency and minimise the need for additional grid infrastructure. RES said the project would also have limited visibility due to local terrain and mature planting.
Development project manager Peter Deeney said: “We held two consultation events for Ballyross to present and seek views on the proposal prior to submitting our planning application. We’d like to thank the local community for coming along to the events to learn more about the project and particularly for the many constructive conversations we had with the visitors.
“The feedback we got from local people really helped to shape the final design for the project, such as the preferred transport route during the construction phase and additional landscaping measures to further reduce potential views of the project from the closest residential properties.”
The planning application includes a landscaping plan with new native-species hedgerow and woodland planting to reduce visibility and support biodiversity. Wildflower seeding will provide habitats for pollinators and wildlife corridors across the site.
RES said the Ballyross BESS would help balance the electricity system, support renewable generation, and reduce network upgrade costs.
A planning decision is expected in summer 2026. If approved, construction will take about 20 months following grid connection approval.