Why Battery Storage Is Vital For Our Energy Future?
Energy storage might not sound like the most exciting topic – but the technology can make a massive difference to Ireland’s energy security and supply. After all, our future energy needs will be powered by a range of renewable technologies working in harmony.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
These are essential to help Ireland reach its target of generating 80 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade.
This technology allows energy from renewable sources to be stored during times when demand is low. It also reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, cuts the cost to the consumer by maximising renewable energy use on the grid, and stabilises and supports the grid –preventing blackouts.
At Statkraft, we are leading the way with this innovative technology in Ireland, having built the first grid-scale battery in Kilathmoy, Co. Kerry. The 11MW battery was completed in 2020. The following year, we finished work on our 26MW Kelwin-2 project, also in Co. Kerry.
More recently, we announced that we were planning to build Ireland’s first four-hour grid-scale BESS project in Co. Offaly. The BESS, which will be co-located with our 56MW Cushaling Wind Farm, is designed to provide 20MW for up to four hours.
Most grid-scale batteries range from 30 minutes to two hours of energy storage capacity. Therefore, the longer the duration of battery energy storage capacity, the more benefits it can offer.
Kevin O’Donovan, Managing Director of Statkraft Ireland, said at the time of the announcement: “The longer-duration storage capability of this project shows that Statkraft continues to innovate and embrace advancement in battery technology. We are also delighted to combine this project with our Cushaling Wind Farm which we are currently constructing on the same site. Construction of our Cushaling BESS is expected to be completed later this year.”
Want to learn more? Visit www.statkraft.ie
