Ireland has approved a procurement framework for up to 500 MW of long-duration energy storage (LDES), creating a new route to market for developers and suppliers seeking to invest in grid-scale infrastructure. The decision by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) establishes a competitive process designed to bring forward storage capacity and support the integration of renewable electricity.

The framework is technology-neutral and service-based, with a minimum four-hour duration requirement for importing and exporting electricity. As ESS News reported on 6 November, eligible projects must meet minimum capacity thresholds of 20 MW for hybrid installations and 75 MW for standalone projects, with a maximum capacity of 100 MW. They must also demonstrate at least 75% round-trip efficiency. The approved 500 MW represents a ceiling, not a guaranteed volume of contracts.

For prospective bidders, the decision provides a clearer structure for project development and qualification. The tender evaluation will allocate 50% of its weighting to cost, 30% to impact and 20% to connection method. Projects will need to meet land-rights and grid-connection requirements, while hybrid developments must satisfy additional conditions relating to renewable generation connected to the transmission system.

The commercial framework includes a revenue floor linked to the levelised cost of storage. Contracted projects will retain access to the Single Electricity Market, while revenues above the floor will be shared under a 70:30 arrangement, with 30% allocated to consumers. These provisions establish a mechanism intended to provide developers with greater revenue visibility while sharing additional value with electricity customers.

Energy Storage Ireland welcomed the CRU's decision but argued that the proposed 10-year contract period should be extended to around 15 years. In its response to the approval, the industry association said a longer term could strengthen revenue certainty, support financing and improve value for consumers. Its recommendation is an industry position rather than an approved change to the framework.

The procurement follows work by EirGrid to develop recommendations for the mechanism. The grid operator's LDES procurement recommendations provide further detail on the proposed design and technical requirements. The next stage will involve translating the approved framework into a procurement process and assessing projects against the qualification criteria.

For developers, engineering firms and technology suppliers, the decision creates a defined opportunity to prepare projects and build partnerships around Ireland's storage requirements. Potential supply-chain roles include storage equipment, project design, electrical engineering, grid integration, construction and ongoing asset operation.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: clear procurement rules can help convert infrastructure policy into investable projects and practical opportunities for suppliers. Ireland's approval of the LDES framework is an important step towards a more flexible electricity system, with the next priority being an effective tender that attracts capable developers and delivers long-term value for consumers.

Source: ESS News, 500 MW of Irish LDES procurement approved, but industry laments contract length