Is SSE Renewables launching a 'sunny south east' project in Ireland?

Leading renewable energy operator and developer SSE Renewables is taking its first steps into solar energy generation and associated battery storage in Ireland, with plans to develop a co-located project at its existing operational wind farm asset in the country’s ‘Sunny South East’.

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

ESB has 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.

What can ESB do for Ireland's Electricity System?

Large-scale battery energy storage projects and Turlough Hill pumped storage power station combine to reach milestone that can help to provide flexibility and support more renewables on Ireland’s electricity system. Today, ESB Networks has announced that it has 1,000 MW (one Giga Watt) of electricity storage connected to Ireland’s network.

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.

How does electricity storage work in Ireland?

For context, peak demand on Ireland’s electricity system is approximately 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.

What is Ireland's energy storage strategy?

As part of the energy storage strategy, identify Ireland’s competitive advanced capabilities such as our renewable and digital technologies sector and how these can be leveraged to create additional adjacent job opportunities. Promote public and private sector participation in EU and international research and skills development programmes.