The latest ESB major battery plant has opened at the company's site in Aghada, Cork.

This battery energy storage system (BESS) project, which forms part of ESB's €300m investment in the technology, will add 150MW (300MWh) of fast-acting energy storage to help provide grid stability and deliver more renewable power onto Ireland’s electricity system.

ESB has partnered with Fluence – a global leader in energy storage products, services and software – as well as Irish company Powercomm Group to deliver this project.

A launch of the plant on Friday, November 15, was attended by EU Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law Michael McGrath, who said: "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.

-- Advertisement --

"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."

Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive, outlined how the project will support ESB's Net Zero by 2040 carbon emissions target.

"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," he said.

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

In 2022, ESB launched the first of its BESS sites, the 19MW (38MWh) project – also in Aghada.

Earlier in 2024, a new 75MW (150MWh) project was opened at ESB's Poolbeg Energy Hub in Dublin.