A major new long-duration battery energy storage project is being explored in Drumkeen.
FuturEnergy Ireland has announced plans for the proposed Lettermore Energy Storage project, in the townlands of Lettermore and Aughkeely.
The company, a joint venture between Coillte and the ESB, says it would use innovative iron-air battery technology capable of storing renewable electricity for up to 100 hours.
FuturEnergy Ireland has begun engaging with households and local representatives in the area as it progresses its plans for the development. A newsletter has been given to local people in recent days.
The proposed site is located in a rural upland area, primarily on Coillte land, with some third-party land included within the study area.
Access would be from the west via the L-6634 road, while the project would connect to the existing 110kV Drumkeen substation.
FuturEnergy Ireland says the location was selected in part because of energy infrastructure challenges in the region, its proximity to the Drumkeen substation, and the forestry setting, which it says would help reduce visual impact and provide separation from nearby homes.
The proposed development would use iron-air batteries supplied through FuturEnergy Ireland’s partnership with US company Form Energy. They say that the batteries use a non-flammable, water-based electrolyte and that around 95% of the materials used are recyclable or salvageable.
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The individual battery units would resemble large shipping containers, measuring approximately 12 metres long by 2.5 metres wide and 2.5 metres high.
They would be installed on concrete foundations, with the site enclosed by palisade fencing and landscaping and planting planned around the boundaries to provide screening and enhance biodiversity.
A proposed Community Benefit Fund would provide annual funding for local community initiatives, although details of the fund have yet to be released.
The project is currently in the design and pre-planning stage. FuturEnergy Ireland says environmental and technical assessments will be carried out as the plans progress, with a planning application expected to be submitted to Donegal County Council in autumn/winter 2026.
The company says a second newsletter will be distributed to local homes and political representatives during summer/autumn, followed by advance notice to the local community ahead of the planning application.
The developer estimates that a typical battery storage project can take between six and 10 years from initial development through to operation, depending on planning, financing and construction requirements.
If approved and ultimately constructed, the operational phase of the Lettermore project is expected to last for more than 30 years.
FuturEnergy Ireland says it intends to continue engaging with the local community throughout the development process and has appointed Shane Lowry as Community Engagement Manager for the project.