Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
292. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to support the deployment of long-duration energy storage solutions, including pumped hydro, large-scale batteries, green hydrogen and vehicle-to-grid services as part of Ireland’s renewable electricity strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71213/25]
View answerThe Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland published by my Department in July 2024 included 10 Government actions to support the role of grid-connected electricity storage systems in Ireland’s energy transition.
Action 1 of the policy framework recognised that electricity storage systems of different types, strengths, durations and technological makeup are required to be incorporated onto the grid system. The policy actions remain technology neutral and do not specify technology types, rather the services that these technologies can provide.
Action 6 of the policy framework directly addresses the transmission system operator EirGrid's procurement of 500 MW of ‘Long Duration Energy Storage’ (any technology with a run capacity of 4 hours or more that is capable of meeting the identified needs of the transmission system). The process has completed its first public consultation, with a second due in 2026. The first round of procurement is expected in 2027.
The National Hydrogen Strategy, published in July 2023, sets out the strategic vision for hydrogen in Ireland’s energy system and as a key component of our zero-carbon economy. There are 21 actions within the Strategy to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland.
The National Hydrogen Programme Taskforce was established in 2025 to oversee the delivery of the 21 actions via a multiyear work programme and working groups across three pillar areas: (WG1) safety and regulation, (WG2) infrastructure and systems, and (WG3) markets and commercialisation. The 21 actions have varying timelines for completion between now and 2030.
My officials are also working to transpose Directive 2024/1711, elements of which will provide for, when transposed, the necessary regulatory framework to facilitate the connection of publicly accessible and private vehicle recharging points, with both smart charging and bidirectional charging functionalities.
