Major development in plan to develop battery storage project in Offaly
Lumcloon Energy has reached an agreement with Energy Dome, an Italian energy storage company, to progress a major new long-duration energy storage project in county Offaly
The Rhode long-duration energy storage (LDES) project will use innovative CO2-based energy dome battery technology to store electricity during periods of low demand and release it back to the grid when it is most needed. The technology works by using grid power to compress and store CO2, then, when power is needed, expanding the CO2 through a turbine to generate energy that is sent back to the grid.
The Rhode LDES project will comprise two energy dome facilities, with a combined capacity for 23 megawatts (MW) of storage – equivalent to 200 megawatt hours (MWh). Google, the US tech company, has signed an agreement with Energy Dome as the offtake partner for the project.
Located on the site of the former Rhode peat-fired power station, the project is strategically located on a critical node of the Irish electric grid, with high-voltage lines serving the greater Dublin area. The development of the Rhode LDES project will support the Midland’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future while delivering investment, skilled jobs and long-term community benefits.
The project will also improve the resilience of Ireland’s electricity system, and enable greater penetration of renewables onto the power grid. The Rhode LDES project is fully consented, with construction set to commence later this year.
Nigel Reams, CEO of Lumcloon Energy, said: “Lumcloon Energy is delighted to have reached an agreement with Energy Dome to progress the Rhode LDES project in Co Offaly. As Ireland has transitioned to renewable energy, we recognised the need for long-duration energy storage projects to enable greater penetration of green energy onto the power grid.”
“Using Energy Dome’s innovative CO2-based battery technology, the Rhode LDES project will be the first of its kind in Ireland and help greatly improve the the resilience of Ireland’s electricity system, while simultaneously supporting the transition of the Midlands area to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”