Ireland solar container lithium battery energy storage project

How much battery storage do we need in Ireland & Northern Ireland?

In 2021 energy experts Baringa estimated that to hit the 80 per cent renewable electricity targets in Ireland and Northern Ireland by 2030 we would need at least 1,700 MW of battery storage on the island of Ireland. Every battery storage project connected makes our electricity grid more secure and helps to integrate wind and solar power.

What types of batteries can be stored in Ireland?

These include lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen storage, thermal storage, flow batteries and pumped hydro storage. However, thermal storage fell outside of the focus on electricity storage and the potential for additional pumped hydro storage in Ireland is considered to be fairly limited and so neither were modelled in detail.

Are battery energy storage systems a 'great achievement' in Ireland?

ESB Networks described the project as a “great achievement for battery storage” in Ireland. Battery energy storage systems, often referred to as Bess, are regarded as a vital part of the Ireland’s fledgling renewable energy sector and demand for them has never been higher.

What will ESB's new battery plant do for Ireland?

ESB has today opened its latest major battery plant at its Aghada site in Co Cork which will add 150MW (300MWh) of fast-acting energy storage to help provide grid stability and deliver more renewable power onto Ireland’s electricity system.