Energy Storage Ireland (ESI) has called on EirGrid to ensure the delivery of the Government’s 2030 target of 500 megawatts (MW) of long-duration energy storage, saying current plans fall short of what is needed to support Ireland’s climate and energy-security goals.
Responding to a Government consultation on the design of a long-duration energy storage (LDES) procurement mechanism, ESI welcomed progress but said the sector needs clearer direction and a stronger commitment to scaling up storage capacity.
The consultation aims to establish long-duration storage infrastructure by 2030 under the electricity storage policy framework.
Pat Lambert, policy analyst at ESI, said long-duration storage plays a central role in balancing the grid as renewable energy grows. “Long-duration storage is essential for reducing renewable curtailment and maintaining system stability,” he said. “It’s also key to delivering energy security and independence, enabling higher renewable penetration on the grid, and meeting Ireland’s 2030 climate targets.” He added that greater storage capacity would support consumers by ensuring “a more efficient, flexible system” and reducing reliance on “expensive imported fossil fuels.”
ESI chief executive Bobby Smith said the consultation marks progress but does not yet reflect the Government’s stated ambitions. “I want to welcome the long-awaited consultation, but this is only a starting point,” he said. Smith noted that the proposed minimum procurement level of 201MW falls short of the Government’s 500MW target for 2030. “ESI is calling for more ambition in this round and a clear path toward delivering the full 500MW,” he said.
Smith also expressed concern that the proposed 10-year contract length is shorter than what is offered in comparable international schemes. He said extending contracts to at least 15 years would help ensure better value for both consumers and investors.
“If we can ensure an ambitious and robust LDES procurement mechanism, we will ensure we capture as much renewable energy as possible and deliver it to the grid,” Smith said. He added that strengthening the mechanism would support clean power for “homes and businesses” and help Ireland move away from “expensive fossil fuels” while improving energy security.
