All data and analysis in this article refers to the Republic of Ireland, and comes from our in-house market research at Solar Media, specifically our Republic of Ireland Battery Storage Project Database Report. Contact online >>
All data and analysis in this article refers to the Republic of Ireland, and comes from our in-house market research at Solar Media, specifically our Republic of Ireland Battery Storage Project Database Report.
With at least 720MWh of energy storage deployed – and 1GWh in construction – the growth of the energy storage market in Ireland has been rapid, considering the first project was only energised in 2020.
In particular, the pipeline increased by over 4GWh in 2023, a growth of 75% compared to 2022. The first half of 2024 shows further promise that this strong growth will continue, with 2.5GWh already submitted and over 1.5GWh of additional storage forecast to be connected to the grid by the end of 2025.
The second quarter of 2024 saw the highest number of applications submitted, at over 2GWh. On an annual basis, 2023 showed a growth of 92% from 2022, compared to a growth of 42% from 2022 to 2021 when comparing capacity in MW.
Seven applications submitted in 2023 (17%) were over 100 MW, compared to only two applications (9%) in 2022. However, due to the small number of applications, these larger projects contributed to more than half of the capacity submitted in both years.
The largest known projects delivered were both 100 MW/100MWh sites, completed in 2020 and 2021. Since then, the number of projects has only marginally grown in size each year and the capacity installed has not shown any significant advancements either.
Figure 2 below shows all energy storage projects in Ireland, in terms of their build status. This includes tracking projects from the initial pre-application stage, through to full build-out (operational).
Despite the relatively low deployment level today, the pipeline remains promising, with 448MWh in pre-application, 3.7GWh having been submitted or at appeals (with decisions in the coming months), 5.3GWh of planned capacity approved, as well as 2.2GWh with grid connection approved awaiting construction. It is safe to say the number of operational sites will be increasing markedly in the next few years.
Statkraft delivered the first energy storage project in Ireland with Fluence in 2020, at its Kilathmoy wind farm and the company has continued to have a strong presence in the Irish energy storage field since then. The company is also lining up another milestone project soon, with the country''s first four-hour duration energy storage system.
Figure 3 shows the co-location status of submitted applications, where the most common co-located energy generator is solar (particularly in 2023). Although the number of standalone projects is slightly larger than co-located solar and storage sites, co-located projects tend to have smaller capacities (an average of 29MWh for solar and 19MWh for wind).
Highfield Energy has been one of the most active in Ireland, when incorporating energy storage alongside solar farms, with at least 15 applications submitted with this pairing. The company also has a few standalone projects with Aura Power; however, these predominantly date back to 2018. In addition, both Lightsource bp and Terra Solar are planning to utilise storage systems in their solar farms in Ireland.
While the energy storage pipeline in Ireland remains strong, it is unlikely to see a similar growth in built capacities until a few years from now. The potential cut-backs in DS3 tariffs may also pose risk in the development of this market. However, until now the market has shown great promise and the increase in co-located projects recently proves energy storage is well on the way to assisting Ireland to meet its net-zero goals by 2050.
Ireland's first grid-scale battery system was commissioned at the beginning of 2020 but was followed just a few months later by another one 10 times larger. Theopportunities for further development in the country appear huge, with a grid operator willing to recognise the role energy storage can play in balancing the network. Solar Media Market Research's Lauren Cook explains what's happening. Co-authored by Molly McCorkindale, who is also an analyst with our in-house research team.
Utility-scale battery storage project activity started for real during 2020, with a strong pipeline of projects built up in the last few years and ready for deployment in 2021 and beyond. Understanding what these sites look like (size, build phasing, co-location status), the key stakeholders at the pre-build stages, and when construction is likely to start, now form the main questions for component suppliers and final asset owners.
Our in-house market research team has recently expanded the number of sites in the pipeline, reflecting new levels of market interest, and suggesting that long-term sustained growth in the sector could be achieved going forward.
During 2020, the first two utility-scale battery storage projects became operational in the Republic of Ireland: at the start of the year, the 11MW Kilathmoy project by Statkraft was completed; this was followed by the 100MW Lumcloon project from Hanwha Energy and Lumcloon Energy at the end of the year.
The graphic above shows how the pipeline for utility-scale battery storage projects in Ireland has evolved by around 25% in the past few years. The first major project (larger than 20MW) was submitted into planning during 2017; namely, the 100MW Lumcloon Project that has just been energised.
Since this project’s application submission stage, the capacity of battery storage projects in planning has increased, especially from Q1 2018 onwards. It is important to recall that battery storage projects in Ireland must have planning consented in order to apply for a grid connection contract.
Over 75% of the battery storage pipeline is made up of standalone projects; however, there has been increased interest in co-location with wind and solar since 2018, albeit typically smaller in capacity.
Most new planning applications for solar and wind farms – since the end of 2018 – have included battery storage. The timelines for these projects can often be uncertain, as deployment of solar in Ireland is still at an early stage. Furthermore, wind farms can take a long time to fully develop.
Consequently, is not clear what the revenue streams for these renewables projects will be: whether they are able to participate in the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) with co-located battery storage; or if they are looking beyond the RESS to an unsubsidised model. For this reason, it is likely that standalone projects will continue to make up the majority of utility-scale battery storage projects in 2021 at least.
The largest part of the pipeline in Ireland is made up of projects larger than 20MW; these projects are also mostly standalone, as opposed to co-located. So far, the DS3 scheme has favoured larger projects, with two 30MW projects and one 50MW securing DS3 Volume Capped Contracts in 2019.
The final graphic (shown below) outlines the build status of all utility-scale battery storage projects in Ireland. Currently, there is just over 100MW of operational capacity. About 250MW of projects are currently under construction and due to be energised in 2021.
There is a further group (circa. 250MW) – with both planning permission and grid connection contracts – that are primed to progress now; these projects will be looked at closely by investors in the short-term, with potential build-out during 2021 or 2022.
The largest category of projects are those with ‘planning consented’; over 1.4GW. Typically, planning for battery storage is a much shorter process than seen for renewables such as wind and solar. The next step for these planned projects is to apply for a grid connection contract from ESB or Eirgrid.
The strong pipeline of projects in planning – and with planning approved – highlights the continued interest in the utility-scale battery storage market in Ireland, beyond the initial push that came from the DS3. In 2021, key sector stakeholders will be paying close attention to upcoming plans for the DS3, while looking at alternative routes to market, including the capacity market and merchant trading (as seen in the UK and across other parts of Europe).
The increasing deployment of renewables in Ireland also means that battery storage will play an important role in maintaining the grid; this is recognised by regulators charged with processing the grid connection applications.
Cover Image: Lumcloon, the 100MW battery energy storage project completed by partners including Hanwha Group towards the end of 2020. Plenty more to come, according to the pipelines of projects in development. Image: Lumcloon Energy.
The Republic of Ireland Battery Storage Project Database report from Solar Media Market Researchcontains all the information about utility-scale storage sites in Ireland, underpinning the above analysis and graphics. For anyone looking to access this information – updated monthly – please contact us via the reportlanding page here.
About Ireland utility-scale energy storage
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Ireland utility-scale energy storage have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Ireland utility-scale energy storage for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Ireland utility-scale energy storage featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
