The System Operators in Ireland have now published the final results of the T-4 Capacity Auction, awarding Capacity Contracts to electricity generators for 2022/23.
There are no changes to the provisional results published in April, following final approval by the Regulatory Authorities.
SSE’s four thermal generation plants in Ireland each participated in this auction process, with contracts secured for its Great Island CCGT plant in Co. Wexford, as well as its two smaller peaker plants at Rhode in Co. Offaly and Tawnaghmore in Co. Mayo. However, SSE was unsuccessful in securing a 2022/23 contract for its Tarbert Power Plant in Co. Kerry.
All four of SSE’s power stations have existing Capacity Contracts to generate energy through to September 2020, and each will have the opportunity later this year to secure further contracts for 2020/21 and 2021/22 in the T-1 and T-2 auctions.
Mark Hayward, SSE's Director of Operations and Maintenance for Thermal Energy, said:
“While we’re pleased to secure contracts for 2022/23 for our flexible plants at Great Island, Rhode and Tawnaghmore, we’re of course disappointed not to receive a contract for Tarbert.
“However, it’s important to remember that we have an existing capacity contract in place to generate electricity at Tarbert until September 2020, and further opportunities to secure contracts for 2020/21 and 2021/22, as well as 2022/23 itself. With emissions restrictions coming into effect from 2023, we know that the existing plant at Tarbert will have to close, however, we are actively looking at future development opportunities for the station.”