Ireland’s energy storage could increase eightfold by 2035, according to a new report by Energy Storage Ireland.
It states that battery storage has the potential to provide secure, affordable, clean power to thousands of homes when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.
The report identified 155 projects with a total storage capacity of almost 10GW, that either have planning permission, are currently in the planning system or are in pre-planning stages.
“This would increase Ireland’s energy storage capacity almost eightfold – enough to power every home in Ireland twice over on a still, cloudy day,” the report states.
According to Energy Storage Ireland, 14% of all wind energy generated in Ireland last year was wasted due to lack of storage.
If this pipeline was built out, the report states that Ireland could capture all of that wasted energy, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and driving down energy costs for consumers.
“Energy storage solutions can transform our electricity system for the better,” said Bobby Smith, head of Energy Storage Ireland.
“The price of batteries has come down by 90% in the past decade, making them a cost-effective way of providing a constant supply of otherwise intermittent renewable energy.
“It’s good for the grid, good for electricity consumers, and good for the planet. Now is the time for policymakers to support investments in these critical technologies,” he added.
