This figure includes 731.5 MW from battery storage projects alongside 292 MW generated by the Turlough Hill pumped storage power station, marking its 50th anniversary this year. These energy storage installations are integrated into the grid, spanning both the Transmission and Distribution systems, overseen by EirGrid and ESB Networks.
A single Gigawatt of energy storage can supply the energy needs of about 450,000 households for an hour, commonly during demand peaks or to provide frequency support during periods of low renewable generation. To put this in perspective, Ireland's peak electricity demand is around 5.5 GW.
Electricity storage systems such as utility-scale battery projects also provide essential backup services to the grid that help to keep the electricity supply secure, reduces carbon emissions and ultimately reduces costs to the consumer. With a strong pipeline of further energy storage projects, Ireland's electricity system is becoming more flexible and agile facilitating the greater integration of cheaper renewable wind and solar power necessary to decarbonise the electricity system and meet Ireland’s climate targets.
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Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, said: "Ireland is on a journey that will see us reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels in the move to cleaner sources of energy. Energy storage, like the large-scale battery projects we are seeing emerge across the country combined with the technology at sites like ESB’s Turlough Hill, will be crucial to provide more affordable, sustainable electricity and ensuring security of supply. 1 GW is an incredible milestone but the growth in energy storage projects simply must continue for the benefit of all across society and the wider economy to allow us to effectively balance our new, homegrown supply of clean electricity."
Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, commented on the importance of this on the country’s journey to net zero: "This really is a significant milestone for us at ESB Networks and our partners involved in connecting one Giga Watt of energy storage to Ireland’s electricity network. The figure includes sites like ESB’s Turlough Hill hydroelectric station but what we have seen in recent years is a major push by the wider industry to deliver large-scale battery energy storage projects that we have been able to support through network connections. As this will no doubt continue, we at ESB Networks are proud to be playing our part in helping to deliver the infrastructure required on the journey to a net zero future where clean sources of electricity backed by flexible storage options will be the cornerstone of a cleaner electricity system for Ireland."
Bobby Smith, Head of Energy Storage Ireland, remarked: "Energy storage is a key enabler of our clean energy future, and this achievement is a big step on that journey. Our members are delivering the energy storage projects alongside ESB Networks that are needed to reduce the use of fossil fuels and drive down energy prices while ensuring a secure, stable electricity system. The energy storage industry is ready to help deliver on Ireland’s net-zero ambitions."
