1. Large-scale battery energy storage projects and Turlough Hill pumped hydro energy storage support renewables in Ireland’s electricity system
2. ESB Networks and EirGrid manage energy storage facilities connected to the grid
3. Ireland’s electricity demand is growing, with data centres playing a significant role, driving the need for long duration energy storage projects
Large-scale battery energy storage and pumped hydro energy storage projects at Turlough Hill are essential for providing flexibility and supporting more renewables in Ireland’s electricity system. These energy storage facilities are connected to both the transmission and distribution systems managed by EirGrid and ESB Networks.
The peak demand on Ireland’s electricity system currently stands at around 5.5 GW, with a 2% increase in electricity demand reported in 2023, making it one of the few countries in Europe to experience growth. Coal generation decreased by 17% year-on-year, while gas-fired output saw a modest decline of 1.2%.
Ireland is expected to have the highest growth rate in Europe for electricity demand and consumption, driven in part by the rapid expansion of data centers in the country. Irish data centers consumed around 5.3TWh of electricity in 2022, accounting for 17% of the country’s electricity demand.
Long duration energy storage is the next step in expanding energy storage capacity in Ireland, with projects like the 20MW battery energy storage system at Statkraft’s Cushaling wind farm in County Offaly leading the way. This project, expected to be completed by the end of 2024, demonstrates the country’s commitment to increasing energy storage capabilities.