Shane Moynihan
Ceist:74. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment e steps being taken to develop a national battery strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40710/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 27 May 2026
Ceisteanna (74)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is currently developing a new green growth industrial strategy, which will build on the successful delivery of actions under Powering Prosperity - Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy and respond to a clear demand within the green technology sector for a broader industrial policy covering the wider renewable energy system. This strategy is earmarked for publication later this year.
The new strategy will take a holistic view of the renewable energy system and will have a core focus on supporting companies developing certain green technologies linked to the renewable energy system, including innovation and in-company research and development, and building the required supply chain for their deployment.
A public consultation to inform the development of the new strategy concluded in March 2026 and officials in my Department are analysing the submissions and conducting further targeted consultation, with insights from this process informing the ongoing development of the green growth industrial strategy. The consultation invited views on a broad suite of green and emerging technologies that could potentially benefit from strategic-level intervention, including storage technologies such as batteries. Key stakeholders in the development of the new strategy will include the enterprise development agencies – Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland supports a number of companies operating across the battery and energy storage value chain, including:
• Li-Gen designs and manufactures customised lithium-ion battery systems for industrial and commercial applications.
• Battery Associates provides specialist advisory services, market intelligence, and supports collaboration across the battery sector.
• Lumcloon Energy develops large-scale battery storage and flexible energy projects.
• Activ8 Solar Energies and Enerpower deliver solar and integrated battery storage solutions for residential and commercial customers.
Ireland benefits from strong research capabilities in battery technologies, including the AMPEiRE research facility at the University of Limerick. Enterprise Ireland supports collaboration between industry and academia through commercialisation funding, collaborative research programmes, and support for spin-out development.
IDA Ireland’s 2025-29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently, includes a focus on new growth opportunities. The strategy targets 1,000 investments to drive new R&D spend of €7 billion, new job creation of 75,000, the upskilling of 40,000 people, and a 35% reduction in IDA client carbon emissions. IDA Ireland’s existing grant supports aim to attract investment to Ireland and to drive productivity and competitiveness. Among these are Green Capital grants to promote competitiveness enhancing investments in decarbonisation and energy efficiency, as well as RD&I grants, training grants, and employment and capital grants for clients in eligible regional locations to support investment in new job creation and expansion of activities.
Ireland’s approach to batteries is set within a broader energy storage policy framework designed to support renewable electricity integration, grid stability, and the transition to a net zero economy. The National Electricity Storage Policy Framework (July 2024) establishes the State’s approach to energy storage. It supports the development of a renewable-led electricity system, contributes to emissions reduction targets, and enhances grid resilience. Key measures include market reforms to enable storage participation, the planned procurement of approximately 500 MW of long-duration storage, and a technology-neutral approach that supports batteries alongside other storage solutions. This is reinforced by the Electricity Framework 2024, which sets out a pathway to a secure, flexible, and decarbonised electricity system. The framework supports the development of the battery sector by facilitating increased renewable generation, strengthening grid infrastructure, and enabling the integration of energy storage technologies.
Ireland’s strategic focus is on developing strengths in battery systems integration, energy optimisation software, and specialised high-value applications. Battery systems play a critical role in storing surplus renewable energy, providing grid stability services, and supporting electrification.
At EU level the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) include measures to support the development of a variety of technologies/industries. The NZIA establishes a framework of measures to strengthen Europe's net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem. There are 19 technologies in scope, including energy storage technologies, and the Act aims to facilitate investments in manufacturing these green technologies. My Department continues to progress implementation of the Act.
The IAA, while still under negotiation at EU level, aims to de-risk private investment by reducing regulatory uncertainty through faster, more predictable permitting while creating lead markets that provide early, reliable demand for EU-made green technologies through tools such as public procurement.
Together, the NZIA and the IAA aim to strengthen Europe’s green industrial base by aligning supply-side manufacturing support with demand-side market creation.