ESB has opened a major battery plant at its Aghada site in Co Cork, adding 150MW in energy storage to help provide grid stability and deliver more renewable power.

The battery energy storage system (BESS) is the latest in a pipeline of projects at sites in Dublin and Cork as part of a €300m technology investment by ESB.

The State-owned company launched its first BESS site, a 19MW project also at Aghada in 2022, and opened a 75MW project at its Poolbeg Energy Hub in Dublin earlier this year.

ESB partnered with energy storage products services and software firm Fluence and Powercomm Group to deliver the project.

“ESB’s Aghada site in Cork has been a key part of the progressive development of the Irish electricity system for over 40 years – and the launch of ESB’s largest battery storage project so far is another significant milestone," said Paddy Hayes, CEO of ESB.

"These batteries support energy security, reduce peak prices and help to maximise the benefit of renewables.

"This is the latest of ESB’s ’Invested in Ireland’ projects, with over €300m recently invested in storage and security, supporting Ireland’s National Development and Climate Action plans.”

The high-capacity batteries can store excess renewable energy for discharge when required, and in doing so, help to 2030 climate targets and ESB's Net Zero 2040 ambitions.

EU Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law Michael McGrath commented: "I am delighted to be here in Aghada again for the launch of ESB's latest battery storage project.

"Through the delivery of projects like this, which will facilitate more renewable sources of energy onto the electricity system, it is clear that ESB's relationship with Co Cork will continue into the future.

"This technology, delivered by ESB and their partners, can play an important role in achieving climate targets both in Ireland and at European level in the pursuit of net zero carbon emissions"

Photo: Michael McGrath opening the ESB's 150MW battery plant in Aghada. (Pic: Darragh Kane)