Mitsubishi Power snares BESS projects

Renewable energy developer Ion Renewables has signed an exclusivity agreement with Mitsubishi Power Americas for four battery energy storage system (BESS) projects using Mitsubishi Power’s Emerald storage solutions totaling 185.5 MW/371MWh in Ireland.

These projects are designed to provide Secure, Sustainable Electricity System (DS3) energy storage and system services including fast frequency and capacity response to Ireland’s National Grid, enabling the addition of more renewable energy. All four projects will be located at brownfield sites with existing electrical interconnects.

In addition to providing frequency response to the National Grid, the BESS projects will support three major energy initiative programs for Ireland and the European Union:

• Ireland’s Climate Action Plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050
• EirGrid Group’s DS3 program, which addresses the challenges of integrating world-leading levels of renewable generation into the grid and targets having 70% of Ireland’s electricity come from renewables by 2030
• REPowerEU’s draft directive, which seeks to eliminate imported gas by 2030 and diversify energy sources

“We are delighted to be working with the Mitsubishi Power team to deliver these important projects,” said John Ward, director, ION Renewables. “These installations represent a viable and economical solution to balance the network, strongly aligning with the principles of the REPowerEU draft directive. These projects demonstrate that effective solutions for storing energy can be achieved by utilizing renewable power that would otherwise be curtailed.”

Scheduled to come online in 2024, the four BESS projects will be Mitsubishi Power’s first in Europe, bringing the total global deployment of its Emerald storage solutions to more than 2 GWh.

Mitsubishi Power’s Emerald storage solutions for Ion Renewables include project engineering, equipment supply, and a 10-year long-term service agreement.

According to Tom Cornell, senior vice president, Energy Storage Solutions, Mitsubishi Power Americas, these projects emphasize the importance of BESS adoption as a viable solution with more countries striving to meet their climate action goals.

“Bringing our Emerald storage solutions to Ireland and working with Ion Renewables is an exciting moment for us,” Cornell said. “The continued adoption of battery storage technologies outside of the United States and the recognition of the important role they play in enabling renewable energy generation to reach net-zero cannot be overstated. Mitsubishi Power’s Emerald storage solutions will help Ireland reach its goal of 70% generat

Mitsubishi Power and ION Renewables plan to bring secure, sustainable electricity system energy storage including fast frequency and capacity response to Ireland’s National Grid with Mitsubishi Power’s Emerald storage solutions. The four battery energy storage projects will enable additional renewable energy and support three major energy initiative programs for Ireland and the European Union. (Image: Mitsubishi Power)

ion from renewable sources while ensuring the stability of the grid with a secure power system.”