Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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56. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on the development of long-duration energy storage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17834/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In line with CAP Action EL/24/16, the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland (ESPF) was published by my Department in July 2024. The policy framework included 10 Government actions to support the role of electricity storage systems in Ireland’s energy transition. Actions #6 to #10 of the policy framework are designed to stimulate the development of the optimum level of electricity storage systems, including Long Duration Electricity Storage on to the grid network by 2040.

Action #6 of the policy framework supports the immediate Procurement of 500MW of Demand Flexibility products and 500MW of (long duration) electricity storage to meet specific network needs, in the distribution and transmission systems respectively and has a completion timeline of 2028.

In line with Action #6, EirGrid, in conjunction with the Regulatory Authority, are developing a procurement mechanism for long-duration electricity storage, through their Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) product. The LDES product is in its initial stages with 2 separate public consultations expected in 2025 and 2026. The 1st round of procurement is expected by end of Q4 2027.

Actions #7 to #10 of the policy framework will establish the optimal (long duration) electricity storage requirements to meet climate targets and electricity grid network expansion between 2030 and 2040, through a ‘Quantity’ Consultation (Action #7); a ‘Financial’ consultation (Action #8); and if required a ‘Market framework’ (Action #9) and a further a ‘Route to market’ (Action #10) before the end of 2028.