One of the most significant renewable energy projects ever proposed in our locality was presented to Carlow County Councillors at a briefing yesterday which was presented by Net Zero Energy (NZE).
NZE is an Irish company which is aiming to develop a 600 MegaWatt Long Duration Energy Storage Facility on a 50-acre site outside Rathoe, between Ballon and Tullow in County Carlow. See our previous report here: Carlow Councillors briefed on plans for €2billion Rathrush Green Energy Park
If developed, Rathrush Green Energy Park (Net Zero Energy Ireland) would represent a €2 billion development project, employing 1500 people during the construction phase while delivering 70 long-term jobs upon completion.
In a statement, the company said the development would save an estimated 180,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions annually, the equivalent of removing approximately 40,000 cars off the road.
The project would use surplus wind and solar energy to generate green hydrogen which would be stored in deep underground caverns before being converted into electricity.
Local residents who contacted KCLR this morning have voiced their concern over the nature and scale of the project, with one noting that the area has already devoted considerable acreage to renewable energy generation.
Yesterday, following a briefing with Carlow County Councillors, NZE’s Chief Executive Peter Harte spoke to KCLR News about the proposal.
Following NZE’s briefing to Carlow County Council, KCLR News’ Martin Quilty discussed the proposal with County Council Chief Executive Cóilín O’Reilly.
