Ireland's first hybridised grid-stabilisation system has been officially opened in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly by Micheál Martin at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Shannonbridge B Synchronous Condenser and Battery Energy Storage System combines synchronous condenser technology with battery storage to strengthen grid resilience and support the country's transition to renewable energy.

Developed by Lumcloon Energy in partnership with Hanwha Group, the project includes a 4,000 MVA synchronous condenser and a 180MW battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of exporting up to 20MW of electricity to the national grid for up to nine hours.

Located beside the 220kV Shannonbridge transmission station in Shannonbridge, the system is designed to improve grid stability by mitigating frequency variations, increasing system inertia, and storing surplus renewable energy for release when needed.

Construction on the hybrid project began in 2023 and was completed in the second half of 2025.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "Ireland's energy system is changing dramatically as we work towards our climate goals. Decarbonisation of our energy system is the first step in achieving a carbon-free future, but it also presents challenges to how our grid network is managed and operated.

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"As Ireland's first hybridised grid-stabilisation system, the Shannonbridge B project is exactly the kind of infrastructure required to accelerate the decarbonisation of Ireland’s power system. I want to congratulate Lumcloon Energy and their partners Hanwha Energy on delivering a world-class piece of infrastructure that will benefit future generations to come.

"The investment in the Shannonbridge B project is all the more important given that it is located right beside the old peat-fired power station in Shannonbridge. Not only is this project representative of the renewable energy transition, but it’s also an important investment to support local communities in Offaly and the surrounding region to enable a just transition with the creation of new, highly skilled jobs in the renewable energy sector."

Nigel Reams, chief executive of Lumcloon Energy, said the project marks a milestone for Ireland's energy infrastructure.

"Shannonbridge B is a landmark achievement delivered by Lumcloon Energy in partnership with Hanwha Energy, combining long-term international investment strength with deep Irish development expertise. The project is the first in Ireland to combine a hybrid system of energy storage technologies, including a 4,000MVA Synchronous Condenser and a 180 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

"This innovative configuration delivers both grid stability and energy flexibility, providing essential services to the electricity system as Ireland transitions to higher levels of renewable energy. This project was designed to meet Ireland’s growing electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions. It reflects a long-term vision for a low-carbon energy future, aligning with EU energy targets and national sustainability plans."