Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
152. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which he intends to build the State’s energy storage capacity which has the potential to cut annual carbon emissions by more than one million tonnes; if he will prepare and publish an energy storage strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28383/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy storage encompasses a broad range of technologies with distinct characteristics and capabilities, including speed of response and storage capacity, that provide a variety of critical services to the all-island power system. Maintaining security of supply while integrating greater levels of renewable generation will require a very high penetration of variable electricity on the Irish grid, with increased storage capacity providing a low-carbon substitute for high greenhouse gas emitting power generation fuels, such as peat and coal.EirGrid has reported that a number of battery projects have been contracted via two mechanisms: SEM Capacity Auctions and DS3 Systems Services. There is currently approximately 500MW of short duration batteries on the all-island system providing system services, as well as 292MW of pumped hydro storage. There are also approximately 500MW of batteries either connected, or contracted to connect to the system over the next four years, to provide capacity to the all island power system. In addition, EirGrid will soon publish the final results of the second Renewable Electricity Support Scheme which makes provision to couple renewable generation with storage capability at project sites. This will help to broaden the energy mix and support security of supply. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 acknowledges the critical role of energy storage in supporting a power system comprised of up to 80 per cent renewables and the need to develop storage capacity. My Department has committed to developing an electricity storage policy framework that supports the 2030 CAP targets and supports increased storage capacity. The framework is due to be published early next year. In combination, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities will be reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage, including licensing, charging and market incentives, which is to be completed by the end of 2023.
