ESB lodge plan for battery storage project in East Cork 

The ESB has lodged plans for what would be one of Ireland’s largest battery energy storage projects at its Aghada generating station in East Cork.

The application to Cork County Council seeks permission for the Aghada Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) project, a 300MW battery energy storage facility on a 4.65-hectare site within the ESB’s existing landholding at Ballincarroonig, Aghada.

The proposal would significantly expand the ESB’s battery storage operations at Aghada. The planned 300MW facility would be twice the size of the 150MW battery plant the company opened at the site in 2024.

The development would comprise a battery energy storage system designed to store surplus electricity generated during periods of high wind and solar output before releasing it back onto the national grid when demand increases or renewable generation falls.

Long duration energy storage 

Planning documents state the facility is designed for long-duration energy storage, meaning it can charge and discharge electricity for more than four hours, longer than most battery storage systems currently operating on the Irish grid.

If approved, the development would include up to 200 battery storage units, up to 20 medium-voltage inverter skids, a control building, switchgear buildings, transformers, a fire water tank and pump house, maintenance offices, CCTV, lighting, internal roads, parking, and a new access road from the existing Aghada generating station.

The proposed facility would be built beside the existing Aghada generating station and adjacent to an operational battery storage facility within what the ESB describes as Ireland’s “Energy Park”.

A fire management plan submitted with the application includes dedicated fire water storage, containment systems, and emergency response procedures. Cork County Council is due to make a decision by August 25.