‘New chapter’ for Kerry village as construction begins at state of the art power station

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Construction has begun at Kerry’s new state of the art power station in what is a “new chapter” for the nearby town.

Foundation and civil works are underway at Tarbet’s €300m Next Generation Power Station, which will be first in Ireland to run 100 per cent hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

As a major milestone for the flagship project, ensuing construction is expected to support 200 full-time employees and leave 14 enduring jobs in the area when works are complete.

SSE’s new ‘peaker’ power station will supply electricity to the grid during peak hours of demand and will have a generation capacity of 300MW, down from the previous plant’s 620MW capacity.

“Tarbert Power Station has long been a cornerstone of our community and economy,” said Kerry Councillor Michael Foley

“I have a personal connection as my late father worked on its construction in the 1960s, and he always spoke fondly of that time.”

“Today’s progress marks a new chapter for Tarbert, sustaining employment and inspiring confidence in North Kerry’s future. SSE’s continued investment here is a catalyst for growth and a signal that this region can thrive as part of Ireland’s energy transition.”

The original oil-fired plant was decommissioned in 2023 due to environmental requirements, after more than 50 years of operation.

The new station is expected to be completed by 2027, and will operate on HVO, a low carbon alternative to fossil fuels sourced entirely from waste feedstocks, supplied in line with EU sustainability standards.

The plant is also designed for the use of hydrogen and is set to benefit if fuel becomes more readily available.

Steve Lynch, Project Manager at SSE Thermal, said: “We’re delighted to have started construction on Tarbert Next Generation Power Station.

“As Ireland’s first power station to run on sustainable biofuels, it’s a cutting-edge project and represents a fitting next chapter in the site’s proud history.”

SSE is partnered with the Italian-based Ansaldo Energia and Limerick-headquartered Atlantic Projects Company (APC) on the project. Ansaldo’s AE94.3A turbine has been chosen for its flexibility and reliability needed, while APC will provide the supporting systems and components.

Charles E. Collins, Managing Director, Atlantic Project Company, said: “At Atlantic Projects Company, we are proud to be part of the transformative journey in Ireland's energy sector through Engineering, Procurement and Construction of the Tarbert Next Generation Power Station.”

“We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will play a crucial role in the country’s growing need for energy demand.”