Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
290. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the adequacy of long duration electricity storage capacity has been assessed in the context of renewable curtailment, grid constraints and system security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9579/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrid scale electricity storage systems including battery electricity storage systems play a vital role in Ireland's energy transition by maximising the incorporation of renewable generated electricity, providing targeted demand flexibility to the grid, supporting grid build out and ensuring the proper functioning of the grid through system services.
As of November 2025, the system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, report that electricity storage systems with the capacity of 1,048 MW (megawatts) are connected to the grid network. One pumped hydro storage facility, Turlough Hill Co Wicklow, accounts for 292 MW of this capacity with the remaining 756 MW provided by Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (S-BESS).
In support of Electricity Storage Systems, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland in July 2024 which included 10 Government actions.
Action 6 of the policy framework supports the immediate procurement of 500 MW of Demand Flexibility Products by ESB Networks and 500 MW of Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) by EirGrid to meet specific network needs.
The first round of the ESB Networks Demand Flexibility Product, contracting 109MW of flexible capacity across 16 locations on to the distribution grid, is now live.
The EirGrid Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) product will incorporate electricity storage technologies with a minimum duration of 4 hours. The first contracts are expected to be signed in 2027, with the assets delivered by end of 2030. The delivery of further LDES capacity is key part of Ireland's energy transition.
