Mr. Brian Kennedy:

The Deputy asked more generally about hybrid connections and large energy users. For energy storage, the sector generally has an interest in hybrid connections. That is about utilising better the existing connections for wind or solar energy, as well as future connections. We see throughout Europe that other markets and systems have policies in place to better utilise those connections. What we often find is that for shorter-duration storage, that fits very neatly. There are questions in Ireland about how that would sit within the subsidy regime to ensure the green value of a renewable or a solar project retains its certification as it goes through storage.

For longer-duration energy storage, LDES, more specifically, EirGrid did a call for evidence around this. The feedback from participants was that hybrid connections are of interest, although the scale of projects probably outstrips the hybrid connections. It is definitely part of the solution but not in itself a solution.

Energy Storage Ireland does not have a particular policy or position on large energy users.

We note that the CRU is consulting on LEUs now. As part of that consultation, there is clearly discussion around 24-7 greening, the glide path towards that and what it looks like in practice. It is quite clear to us and to anybody in the sector who is looking at this that in order to get to 24-7, storage is needed, particularly long-duration energy storage, to bridge the gap between the last 10% of renewables. We do not see that at the moment from industry because that industry - the corporate power purchase agreement, PPA, space - is developing. However, we will see that in the years to come. We see it in the US and in places in the United Kingdom whereby storage is actively utilised to bridge that gap towards 100% renewables.