Plans to develop a 600MW Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) facility, which will use excess renewable energy to generate green hydrogen for electricity generation, have today been unveiled.
Known as Rathrush Green Energy Park, the proposed site is located outside Rathoe in County Carlow and is being developed by Irish firm Net Zero Energy (NZE). It is expected to save an estimated 180,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to taking approximately 40,000 cars off the road.
With an estimated development cost of approximately €2 billion, the project will use surplus renewable energy generated off-site — energy which is currently being lost due to a lack of demand at certain times and insufficient grid capacity to absorb power. This surplus wind and solar energy will be used to produce green hydrogen, which will then be stored deep underground on-site in lined rock caverns before being converted back into electricity. This electricity can then be supplied to the national grid, providing crucial back-up when required and offering a timely solution to the challenge of renewable energy intermittency compared with fossil fuel generation.
Speaking to The Voice of Renewables NZE Chief Executive Peter Harte commented: “The project presents an important and timely solution to the current pressing and complex energy challenges facing the country, both in terms of security of supply and decarbonising our grid.
“Furthermore, by harnessing an energy source that has previously been wasted, we can help protect consumers from future fossil fuel crises and price shocks, such as those experienced following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and, more recently, in the Middle East. By delivering a national solution that supports Ireland’s journey towards energy independence, the project also provides reassurance and confidence for high-demand electricity users seeking to locate here in Ireland,” he concluded.
NZE Chairman Tim Cowhig stated: “By making 600MW of renewable energy available at the flick of a switch, this project could meet as much as 10% of Ireland’s peak energy requirement. Rathrush Green Energy Park will provide significant, secure and sustainable long-duration energy storage for the Irish grid.
“Ireland has never been in such a precarious position in terms of energy security. We spend €10 billion each year importing fossil fuels. This project is particularly timely given the widespread debate and focus on Ireland’s climate change targets, and the substantial penalties that would result if we fail to meet them,” concluded Mr Cowhig.
At peak, up to 1,500 workers will be employed on-site during the construction phase, with approximately 70 long-term, highly skilled jobs created once the facility is operational. Rathrush Green Energy Park will store thirty times more green energy than Turlough Hill and have seven times the generation capacity of Ardnacrusha. Following a community consultation programme, the developer hopes to be in a position to submit a planning application by the end of this year.
