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Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Clarity on battery policy vital for Irish energy goals
Bobby Smith, head of Energy Storage Ireland, highlights a critical need for clear policy and infrastructure development to ensure Ireland meets its renewable energy goals. Smith has led the advocacy group since its foundation in 2020, leveraging extensive experience from his earlier career at the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Wind Energy Ireland. "Energy storage, especially battery storage, is relatively new," Smith says. "But in just five years, we've reached nearly one gigawatt of battery storage capacity across the island." Energy Storage Ireland was established due to a clear gap in representation for companies active in energy storage. The group now represents about 70 member companies, covering developers, suppliers, consultants, and contractors involved in the energy storage supply chain. "Batteries complement renewable energy generation effectively," Smith says. "They store excess energy when renewable output is high, typically at low cost, and then supply power back into the grid when renewable output falls. 'We saw more and more wind and solar developers getting involved in storage, but there was no single voice representing them,' he says. 'So we set up Energy Storage Ireland, and I've been leading it since day one.' From a standing start just a few years ago, the sector now boasts just under one gigawatt of operational battery capacity on the island. 'That's a huge leap,' says Smith, referencing how early reports had only forecast 500MW by this point. 'We've doubled that. It's a real milestone.' Most of the current systems provide fast, short bursts of power, vital for stabilising the grid when demand fluctuates or renewable generation dips. 'They're like the shock absorbers of the electricity system,' says Smith. 'Previously, we relied on fossil fuel generators to do this. But batteries are more responsive, more flexible, and ultimately greener.' The big players? ESB is now Ireland's largest owner of grid-scale batteries. But there are others - Statkraft Ireland, Greencoat, and a growing pool of private developers. These companies supply balancing services to EirGrid, helping maintain the delicate frequency balance needed to keep the lights on. The link with renewables is direct. 'Batteries charge when there's surplus wind or solar—when prices are low, and release it when demand peaks. So they're natural partners to variable generation,' says Smith. And while most batteries are currently standalone, co-location with solar and wind farms is growing rapidly. Where things get complex is around data centres. Public debate has often pointed to them as villains in the climate story, citing claims they could consume up to 30% of Ireland's electricity. Bobby Smith, head of Energy Storage Ireland. But Smith urges caution. 'The figure is misleading. It doesn't reflect how many of these centres are also investing in renewables.' Many data centres now sign long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with wind or solar developers — deals that finance the construction of new renewable capacity. But Smith argues we need to go further. 'Most of these deals are based on annual matching. A data centre calculates its annual electricity use and funds a wind farm that produces a similar amount. But that doesn't mean the clean power is available every hour they need it.' Instead, the industry is pushing for 24x7 matching, where every hour of power use is balanced with green generation. 'That's where energy storage comes in,' says Smith. 'To achieve true 24x7 matching, you need batteries to cover the gaps when wind isn't blowing or the sun isn't shining.' The challenge is infrastructure. Ireland's grid was built in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. 'It wasn't designed for this. And delays to upgrades, like the North-South interconnector, have dragged on for decades,' says Smith. 'It's becoming a bottleneck.' Storage can help. 'Instead of building massive new power lines out of Donegal, we could store the energy locally and release it when the grid allows.' Artificial Intelligence (AI) adds another twist. Unlike traditional data centres that need to be near each other for reliability, AI training centres are more flexible. 'They don't need to run 24/7, and they can be located wherever there's clean power, say near a wind farm in Mayo or solar in Wexford,' says Smith. 'That's a huge opportunity.' But potential doesn't build infrastructure. Money does. And right now, energy storage developers have no guaranteed support. 'Batteries make money through arbitrage, buying cheap power and selling it when prices are high,' says Smith. 'But that's unpredictable. If you want to build a 20-year project, how do you convince a bank to back you?' Wind and solar developers in Ireland can access the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), offering stable revenue over 15 to 20 years. Smith believes storage needs something similar. 'We've got nearly 10 gigawatts of storage in the development pipeline,' he says, referencing an internal industry map of projects at planning, pre-construction, or connection stages. 'But it won't happen without certainty. Investors need it. Lenders need it.' He says: 'We've come a long way, but we could stall. If the government steps in with the right support, we can build a flexible, secure, zero-carbon grid. If not, we'll miss the window.' While policy support remains a sticking point, developers are already investing heavily. ESB is one of the most active players on the ground. David Farrell, Head of Onshore Development at ESB Generation Trading, says battery storage is no longer theoretical, it's operational. 'We have 965 megawatts of batteries on the system,' he says. 'ESB owns 300 megawatts of that.' The company now operates five grid-scale projects, the largest being a 150MW battery at Aghada, each capable of discharging for up to two hours. Farrell outlines four core functions of battery storage. 'First, it allows us to store excess renewable energy, when there's too much wind or solar on the system. Second, it enables arbitrage, buying electricity when it's cheap and discharging when prices peak. Third, batteries provide capacity, meeting demand instantly when required. And fourth, they deliver system services, stabilising voltage, supporting frequency, and offering fast-response backup.' He adds that batteries can also be strategically located to ease pressure on congested parts of the grid. 'By placing storage near areas of constraint, we can smooth out power flows and reduce the need for network upgrades.' These functions, he says, are essential not just for balancing a renewable-powered grid but for decarbonising the broader economy. 'We're moving away from fuel stored in oil tanks and coal yards. Now that storage must exist on the grid, and batteries are part of that solution.' While most commercial batteries are currently measured in hours, Farrell says that's changing. ESB is already working toward longer-duration assets, four-hour, eight-hour, even 100-hour storage. The aim is to replace peaking plants and reduce reliance on fossil backup. 'The next phase of development will allow us to cover full-day gaps in renewable output,' he says. 'And eventually, we'll need seasonal storage to support demand from sectors like heating and transport.' He also notes progress in how batteries are being integrated into the grid. 'In the past year, system operators have grown more comfortable dispatching batteries. They've proven to be fast, responsive, and reliable, especially during peak demand.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Jodhpur Discom Powers Rajasthan's Green Future: 841 MW Solar & Farmer Empowerment
Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited ( Jodhpur Discom ) has successfully established 432 solar power plants with a cumulative generation capacity of 841 megawatts (MW) under the Prime Minister's Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. This marks a step in Rajasthan's journey to become a renewable energy hub while addressing the dual objectives of energy security and agricultural resilience. Speaking to The ET Government, Dr. Bhanwarlal, Managing Director of Jodhpur Discom , emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative. Through effective implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme, our farmers are not only accessing clean and sustainable energy but also gaining new sources of income, he said. 841 MW Solar Capacity Already Commissioned,Target of 6,000 MW by March 2026 As of May 2025, 432 decentralized solar power plants have been commissioned within the Jodhpur Discom area, generating 841 MW of electricity. These installations are now supplying power to approximately 75,000 agricultural consumers, marking a significant milestone in the government's mission to transform India's rural energy infrastructure. The solar plants have provided a sustainable solution to farmers' energy woes, Dr. Bhanwarlal noted. More importantly, they have become a stable and long-term source of income for them. Looking ahead, Jodhpur Discom has laid out an ambitious roadmap to scale its solar energy capacity to 6,000 MW by March 2026. This expansion aims to benefit nearly 4.95 lakh farmers across the region, significantly reducing reliance on conventional grid electricity and diesel-powered irrigation. This projected capacity expansion will cement Rajasthan's position as a leader in renewable energy generation,' Dr. Bhanwarlal said. 'It will also enable thousands of farmers to become energy producers, not just consumers. The expansion aligns with the Government of India's broader goals to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in the power mix and meet its climate commitments under international accords. Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) Ensure Steady Farmer Incomes One of the key attractions of the PM-KUSUM scheme is the provision for farmers to establish solar plants on their land and enter into long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with Discoms. These PPAs ensure that farmers have a reliable and consistent source of income by selling electricity back to the grid. This system not only enables productive utilization of agricultural land but also ensures financial empowerment of farmers, Dr. Bhanwarlal explained. It's a win-win for energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. With predictable earnings from electricity sales, farmers can diversify their income, reduce debt dependency, and reinvest in their agricultural activities. For many, this has become a pathway to financial stability. Driving Energy Independence Through Policy Backing Dr. Bhanwarlal credited both central and state governments for their proactive policy support, which has been instrumental in enabling the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme. The initiative is a decisive step towards an energy-resilient and environmentally stable future. The supportive policy framework has encouraged Discoms to actively participate in decentralized solar energy deployment,he said. He also emphasized that the scheme supports India's commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement and aligns with the goals of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. Rajasthan's proactive role, particularly through the Jodhpur Discom, showcases how regional initiatives can have a significant national impact. By reducing dependence on diesel and fossil-fuel-based electricity, solar installations under PM-KUSUM are significantly lowering carbon emissions in agricultural operations. The move toward clean energy not only mitigates climate change risks but also helps preserve natural ecosystems. The Jodhpur Discom's efforts contribute to a cleaner, greener environment,' Dr. Bhanwarlal said. 'In the long run, this will lead to improved air and soil quality, reduced groundwater depletion, and better climate resilience for rural communities. Building Infrastructure for a Renewable Future Implementing large-scale solar energy infrastructure in rural areas comes with its own set of challenges—land identification, transmission connectivity, regulatory approvals, and capacity building. However, Jodhpur Discom has overcome these hurdles through strategic planning, collaboration with local stakeholders, and transparent execution. The Discom is also working closely with local entrepreneurs and renewable energy developers to streamline installation and grid integration processes. This collaboration ensures that both technical and operational standards are maintained while also fostering employment generation in rural areas. The success of the PM-KUSUM implementation in the Jodhpur region is now being seen as a model for replication across India. With vast tracts of arid and semi-arid land, Rajasthan holds enormous potential for solar energy generation. Jodhpur Discom's pioneering work showcases how harnessing this potential can result in both economic and ecological dividends. The initiative sets a precedent not just for Rajasthan but for the entire country,' said Dr. Bhanwarlal. 'It demonstrates the tangible benefits of integrating renewable energy with rural development strategies. Farmers at the Core of the Solar Transition Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the PM-KUSUM initiative is the empowerment of farmers to become active participants in the energy transition. Traditionally seen as consumers at the end of the energy value chain, they are now becoming producers and stakeholders in India's clean energy journey. This isn't just about solar panels, said Dr. Bhanwarlal. It's about transforming lives, empowering farmers, and decentralizing our energy future. With the addition of solar infrastructure, farmers can now irrigate their fields with affordable and uninterrupted power, grow multiple crop cycles, and increase agricultural productivity—all while contributing to the national grid. With more solar plants on the horizon and nearly half a million farmers set to benefit in the coming years, the momentum is strong. Jodhpur Discom's leadership under the PM-KUSUM scheme is not just powering farms—it's energizing lives, communities, and the very fabric of sustainable development in India. Quick Facts: PM-KUSUM in Jodhpur Discom Region Total Solar Plants Commissioned (as of May 2025): 432Installed Capacity: 841 MWNumber of Farmers Benefited: ~75,000Target by March 2026: 6,000 MW additional solar capacityFuture Beneficiaries: ~4.95 lakh farmersIncome Mechanism: Long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
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Business Standard
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
JSW Energy to invest ₹14k cr to expand RE capacity of O2 Power
JSW Energy is planning to invest approximately ₹14,000 crore to scale up the renewable energy capacity of its newly acquired entity, O2 Power, to 4.7 gigawatts (GW) by 2027, senior company executives said. In addition, the firm aims to allocate up to ₹18,000 crore in FY26 to complete existing projects and support new growth initiatives. The company's subsidiary, JSW Neo Energy Ltd, has acquired O2 Power's 4,696 MW renewable energy portfolio from O2 Power Pooling Pte Ltd for an enterprise value of ₹12,468 crore. Of the total, 2,259 MW will be operational by June 2025, 1,463 MW is under construction, and 974 MW is in the pipeline, the company said. At present, O2 Power's installed capacity stands at 1.3 GW. JSW Energy plans to increase this to 4.7 GW by June 2027, backed by a capital outlay of ₹13,000–14,000 crore, Joint Managing Director Sharad Mahendra said during an analyst call. For FY25, the capital expenditure stood at about ₹8,000 crore—lower than the guidance of ₹15,000 crore. 'Because of certain delays in some of the ongoing projects and because we were accelerating the inorganic growth pipeline, we calibrated it down,' the CFO said. JSW Energy is currently building 11.3 GW of generation capacity, all secured under long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Mahendra added. This includes 9.7 GW of renewable energy and a 1.6 GW ultra-supercritical thermal power project at Salboni, marking the company's return to greenfield thermal investments after more than a decade. 'Beyond this, we have a robust project pipeline of approximately 4.9 GW, where Letters of Intent or Letters of Award have been secured and PPAs are yet to be signed,' Mahendra said.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
JSW Energy to invest ₹14,000 cr to expand renewable energy capacity of Oxygen Power
JSW Energy would invest around ₹14,000 crore to expand renewable energy capacity of recently acquired O2 Power to 4.7 gigawatt (GW) by 2027, and in FY26 it looks to spend up to ₹18,000 crore to complete ongoing projects, senior company officials said. Its arm JSW Neo Energy Ltd (JSW Neo) has acquired 4,696 MW renewable energy platform of O2 Power Pooling Pte Ltd (O2 Power) for an enterprise value of ₹12,468 crore. Of the total, 2,259 MW will be operational by June 2025, while 1,463 MW is under construction, and an additional 974 MW are in the pipeline, the company had said. The current installed capacity of O2 Power is 1.3 GW and JSW Energy expects to increase it to 4.7 GW by June 2027 by undertaking capital expenditure of ₹13,000-14,000 crore, JSW Energy Joint MD Sharad Mahendra said in an analyst call. On the capex plan for FY26, Pritesh Vinay, company's Director (Finance) and CFO said the company is expecting to spend ₹15,000-18,000 crore to complete the ongoing projects plus the pipeline of new growth projects that have started. For FY25, it was about ₹8,000 crore as against guidance of ₹15,000 capex. "Because of certain delays in some of the ongoing projects and because we were accelerating the inorganic growth pipeline, we calibrated it down," the CFO said. Joint MD Mahendra said JSW Energy is constructing 11.3 GW of generation projects, all of which are fully tied up under long-term Power Purchase Agreements . The under-construction portfolio includes 9.7 GW of renewable energy projects and 1.6 GW Salboni ultra-supercritical thermal power project which marks the company's investment in greenfield thermal after more than a decade, he said. "Beyond this we have a robust project pipeline of approximately 4.9 GW of projects where Letters of Intent or Letters of Award have been secured and PPAs are yet to be signed." On KSK Mahanadi , he said currently 1,800 MW is operational which is 95 per cent tied up under PPAs and has fuel supply agreements. "We are currently integrating operations with JSW Energy and implementing comprehensive plan to bring cost efficiencies," he added. JSW Energy had acquired the 3,600 MW thermal asset through NCLT proceedings for a total resolution amount of ₹16,084 crore.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
JSW Energy to invest Rs 14,000 cr to expand renewable energy capacity of Oxygen Power
JSW Energy would invest around Rs 14,000 crore to expand renewable energy capacity of recently acquired O2 Power to 4.7 gigawatt (GW) by 2027, and in FY26 it looks to spend up to Rs 18,000 crore to complete ongoing projects, senior company officials said. Its arm JSW Neo Energy Ltd (JSW Neo) has acquired 4,696 MW renewable energy platform of O2 Power Pooling Pte Ltd (O2 Power) for an enterprise value of Rs 12,468 crore. Of the total, 2,259 MW will be operational by June 2025, while 1,463 MW is under construction, and an additional 974 MW are in the pipeline, the company had said. The current installed capacity of O2 Power is 1.3 GW and JSW Energy expects to increase it to 4.7 GW by June 2027 by undertaking capital expenditure of Rs 13,000-14,000 crore, JSW Energy Joint MD Sharad Mahendra said in an analyst call. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gạch cao su mới cho tường – Hãy thử xem! Gạch | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm Ngay On the capex plan for FY26, Pritesh Vinay, company's Director (Finance) and CFO said the company is expecting to spend Rs 15,000-18,000 crore to complete the ongoing projects plus the pipeline of new growth projects that have started. For FY25, it was about Rs 8,000 crore as against guidance of Rs 15,000 capex. Live Events "Because of certain delays in some of the ongoing projects and because we were accelerating the inorganic growth pipeline, we calibrated it down," the CFO said. Joint MD Mahendra said JSW Energy is constructing 11.3 GW of generation projects, all of which are fully tied up under long-term Power Purchase Agreements . The under-construction portfolio includes 9.7 GW of renewable energy projects and 1.6 GW Salboni ultra-supercritical thermal power project which marks the company's investment in greenfield thermal after more than a decade, he said. "Beyond this we have a robust project pipeline of approximately 4.9 GW of projects where Letters of Intent or Letters of Award have been secured and PPAs are yet to be signed." On KSK Mahanadi , he said currently 1,800 MW is operational which is 95 per cent tied up under PPAs and has fuel supply agreements. "We are currently integrating operations with JSW Energy and implementing comprehensive plan to bring cost efficiencies," he added. JSW Energy had acquired the 3,600 MW thermal asset through NCLT proceedings for a total resolution amount of Rs 16,084 crore.
