Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
180. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if State bodies under his aegis are involved in or propose to become involved in projects for developing large-scale electricity storage capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48799/21]
View answerThe variability challenge posed by renewable energy creates the need for a range of technological interventions. Storage technology, alongside demand-side response and interconnection, will be key as Ireland seeks to increase its share of renewable electricity up to 80 per cent by 2030 as outlined in the National Development Plan published this week. The 2021 Climate Action Plan will set out further actions to address energy storage. The combined storage capacity connected to the grid in Ireland today is 540MW; this consists of 292MW of pumped storage and 248MW of battery energy storage. Based on current projections by the System Operators, this figure is projected to more than double by 2024. I am acutely aware of the critical role of energy storage in supporting a green energy system which is why my Department is considering how storage may be incentivised to participate in the second Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction, the terms and conditions of which are currently being finalised. This will require a coordinated programme of investment in grid-scale renewable electricity generation and storage.As outlined in the National Development Plan, the State bodies under the aegis of my Department will play a pivotal role in delivering on the transformation of our electricity system to meet the target of up to 80% renewables on the grid by 2030. I have requested the relevant bodies to contact the Deputy directly regarding their specific projects and plans for large-scale electricity storage capacity.
