Irish energy and trading services firm ElectroRoute has struck a deal to provide trading solutions to what will be one of the European Union’s largest battery portfolios.
Construction is already under way on the 200MW portfolio being developed by Korean firm Hanwha Energy Corporation and Ireland’s Lumcloon Energy at two sites in Lumcloon and Shannonbridge. More than €150m is being invested in the project, which is supporting over 200 jobs during construction and about 20 permanent jobs at completion.
ElectroRoute will deploy its in-house Virtual Power Plant and 24/7 trading platform for battery technology to provide grid stability to the project, which it says is “vital” if Ireland is to reach its 70% renewable energy targets by 2030.
A recent Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) report estimated that the country could require total battery capacity of 1700MW of batteries to reach that goal.
Commenting on the agreement, Brian Kennedy, Head of Trading Solutions at ElectroRoute said this was the company’s first significant battery project and “the culmination of considerable work in developing the right technology and systems”.
“There is a growing consensus worldwide that countries need to pursue environmentally-friendly energy solutions as part of the quest for energy security. Our trading solutions will enable our clients to help create leadership positions in renewable and flexibility markets.”
A statement from ElectroRoute added: “It’s a big step for Ireland and the industry in the quest for energy security.”