Project Overview
Silvermines Hydro is a project that will repurpose an old mine site into a major clean energy facility in Ireland. It will be the second pumped storage power station in the country, following the Turlough Hill station opened in 1974 by ESB.
Repurposing an old mine into a major energy source
Pumped Hydro technology is widely recognised as a clean, safe, and reliable method for both storing and generating electricity. It works by using two water reservoirs at different heights. Water is pumped from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir when there is excess electricity. When electricity is needed, the water flows back down through turbines to generate power.
This technology is trusted around the world for its effectiveness in balancing supply and demand, making it a key component in many national electricity transmission systems.
For Silvermines Hydro, the existing mine pit will be used as the lower reservoir, and a new reservoir will be built higher up the mountain to serve as the upper reservoir. Water is transferred between the two reservoirs using large pipes that are partially buried in the ground. This setup allows water to be stored in the upper reservoir and then released to generate electricity on demand. The generated electricity will be sent through underground cables to the transmission grid.
Stored and then released to generate electricity on demand
Our Progress
Silvermines Hydro is making steady progress and is working through the permit granting procedures following the guidelines for PCIs. This includes project notification, completing the pre-application procedure, and then followed by the statutory permit granting process.
We are currently working on several important tasks, such as geological surveys, habitat checks, water studies, environmental reviews, and engineering design.
We are also organising a public participation program, featuring public events, newsletters, and information sharing to gather feedback and refine the project as part of the pre-application procedure.
Your feedback is important to help shape the project before it enters the formal planning assessment process.
Project Development Phases
The project is now in the design assessment and development consent phase.
