ENERGY STORAGE

Bridging Supply and Demand

As Ireland moves toward 80% renewable electricity by 2030, energy storage becomes critical for managing the variability of wind and solar generation. FIESO investigates how different storage technologies—from batteries to hydrogen to thermal storage—can work together to ensure a reliable, affordable energy system.

The Storage Challenge

Ireland's renewable capacity is expected to reach 16 GW by 2030, far exceeding the typical demand of 5.3-6.3 GW. This mismatch creates extended periods of excess generation alongside times when renewables cannot meet demand. Storage technologies provide the flexibility needed to balance these extremes.

Multi-Scale Storage Solutions

Short-Duration Storage (Battery Energy Storage Systems)

  • Respond within milliseconds to frequency disturbances
  • Manage power quality and local network constraints
  • Support the integration of variable renewables
  • Over 700 MW already installed in Ireland as of 2024

Medium-Duration Storage (Hybrid Systems)

  • Combine batteries with hydrogen electrolysers ("Battelysers")
  • Capture power fluctuations that exceed electrolyser capacity
  • Enable higher utilization factors for hydrogen production
  • Provide multiple revenue streams through grid services

Long-Duration Storage (Hydrogen and Thermal)

  • Store energy across days, weeks, or seasons
  • Convert surplus summer wind production for winter use
  • Support sectors beyond electricity through hydrogen distribution
  • Complement short-duration storage for comprehensive flexibility

Laboratory Testing and Validation

The Lir Laboratory features a 50 kVA battery emulator integrated with hydrogen systems through a 300 kVA inverter and PHIL technology. This unique setup allows us to:

  • Test real storage equipment in simulated future grid conditions
  • Develop and validate control algorithms for coordinated operation
  • Understand thermal dynamics and efficiency variations under variable operation
  • Demonstrate grid services including frequency regulation, voltage control, and congestion management

Optimizing Storage Deployment

FIESO develops methodologies to determine optimal storage sizing, placement, and operation strategies. Our research addresses critical questions:

  • How much storage is needed to achieve specific renewable penetration levels?
  • Where should storage be located to maximize value—at generation sites, distribution level, or consumption points?
  • How should multiple storage technologies be coordinated?
  • What business models and market structures can make storage economically viable?

By answering these questions with rigorous analysis combining desktop modeling, co-simulation, and laboratory experimentation, FIESO provides the evidence base needed for strategic investment in Ireland's storage infrastructure.