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

Friday, 15th November 2024 Cork, 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.

Is ESB launching a battery energy storage system in Dublin?

The battery energy storage system (BESS) is the latest in a pipeline of projects at sites in Dublin and Cork as part of a €300m technology investment by ESB. The State-owned company launched its first BESS site, a 19MW project also at Aghada in 2022, and opened a 75MW project at its Poolbeg Energy Hub in Dublin earlier this year.

Why is battery storage important in Ireland?

Ireland is aggressively pursuing renewable energy targets – aiming for 80% renewable electricity by 2030 – but wind doesn’t always blow, and the sun doesn’t always shine. Large-scale battery storage is crucial to smoothing out these fluctuations, ensuring a reliable electricity supply.

What is ESB's new battery energy storage system?

ESB has opened a major battery plant at its Aghada site in Co Cork, adding 150MW in energy storage to help provide grid stability and deliver more renewable power. The battery energy storage system (BESS) is the latest in a pipeline of projects at sites in Dublin and Cork as part of a €300m technology investment by ESB.

Why did Cork County Council reject a battery energy storage system?

Cork County Council has been urged to reject the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Newmarket due to its clear and unacceptable threat to rural landscape, public safety and environment by Senator Nicole Ryan. French energy company Neoen received conditional permission for the energy storing facility from Cork County Council in July.

Will Cork County Council approve a lithium battery farm?

LOCALS IN NEWMARKET have decried Cork County Council’s approval of a lithium battery farm in the “heart” of the rural town. An environmental group in the town has condemned the council’s decision, saying that the facility is “completely unsuitable” for the environment in the location where it has been given permission to build.