Irish grid marks 1GW storage milestone

Dublin-based ESB Networks has announced that it has 1,000MW of electricity storage connected to the Irish power grid.

According to the medium and low voltage electricity infrastructure operator, the figure includes 731.5MW of battery storage projects and 292MW from Turlough Hill pumped storage power station.

The energy storage facilities are connected across the grid, to both the transmission and distribution systems, managed by EirGrid and ESB Networks respectively.

1GW of energy storage is enough to power the equivalent of approximately 450,000 homes for one hour, typically during peaks in demand or when frequency support is needed at times of low levels of renewable generation.

Peak demand on Ireland’s electricity system is approximately 5.5GW.

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Commenting in a release, Eamon Ryan TD, Irish minister for the environment, climate and communications, said: “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.

“1GW 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.”

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, reduce carbon emissions and ultimately reduce costs to the consumer.

Added Nicholas Tarrant, managing director of ESB Networks: “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.”

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.”