ESB has officially opened a 150MW (300MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Aghada site in County Cork, marking a major milestone in Ireland's renewable energy infrastructure. The project, designed to enhance grid stability and integrate more renewable energy into the electricity system, is part of ESB's €300 million investment in energy storage technology.
The Aghada BESS follows the earlier launch of ESB's 19MW (38MWh) battery project at the same site in 2022 and a 75MW (150MWh) facility at Dublin's Poolbeg Energy Hub in early 2024.
Developed in collaboration with Fluence, a global leader in energy storage technology, and Irish firm Powercomm Group, the Aghada project demonstrates the potential of battery storage to support Ireland's renewable energy goals and energy security.
EU Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice, and Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, commended the initiative:
“Projects like this will facilitate the integration of renewable energy onto the electricity system, showcasing ESB's long-standing commitment to Co Cork and its contribution toward climate targets in Ireland and Europe.”
ESB Chief Executive Paddy Hayes emphasized the broader impact:
“The Aghada site has been central to the development of Ireland's electricity system for over 40 years. This battery project represents another step in our Net Zero by 2040 strategy, supporting energy security, reducing peak prices, and maximizing the value of renewables.”
These large-scale batteries enable the storage of excess renewable energy, which can be released when needed, aligning with Ireland's climate action targets for 2030 and beyond. The Aghada BESS underscores ESB's role in driving sustainable energy solutions nationwide.
