Project Being Considered
Statkraft are now proposing to add a solar element to this site to make the best use of its renewable energy potential, providing approximately 3 MW of clean electricity. Planning permission for the grid stability project was granted by Wexford County Council in June 2025. By incorporating solar generation alongside the already consented grid stability solution, this proposal will help maximise the benefits of the site while supporting Ireland’s transition to a more secure, low‑carbon energy system.
Project at a Glance
- A zero-carbon grid stability solution to replace the need for fossil fuel generation
- Facility to be located near the existing substation
- Annual Community Benefit Fund of circa €25k for the first 5 years of the project
- 3m high containers on an 8-hectare site
- Natural screening and additional berm
- Underground cable connection to Lodgewood substation
- 150MW (max) system with a 40-year lifetime
- This facility would connect to the existing substation, strengthening the local network
Project Proposal
The Carney Grid Stability Project consists of a consented proposal to develop a battery storage system near the existing ESB Lodgewood substation. We see – based on Ireland’s 2030 climate targets – an increased need for grid-scale storage on the system for those periods of time when renewable sources of electricity are low.
This proposed long duration storage project alongside the ~3MW solar will enable energy from renewable sources to be stored during times of low demand and dispatched at times of peak electricity demand. It will also reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to stabilise the grid, cutting the cost to homes and businesses by maximising the use of renewable energy.
The proposal would not require any overhead lines as all cables would be underground and the storage system would be housed in multiple containers in the site. The site itself benefits from natural screening but where necessary additional screening will be provided to further camouflage the proposed development.
Why Carney?
The Irish transmission network will see large changes in the next decade as Ireland realises its full renewable energy potential and develops further interconnection to Europe and the UK. Across Ireland, more grid challenges are expected as more people start electrifying their homes with heat pumps and rooftop solar and installing home charging points for their electric vehicles.
Identifying the right locations for stabilising the grid system is driven by assessments of the grid and its components, how it works and evaluating where storage facilities will be needed.
In addition, this facility needs to be located very close to an existing substation, such as Lodgewood.
While we can see continued progress in Ireland’s renewable energy production, we cannot have a zero-carbon electricity system without a grid infrastructure built to support it.
We believe that this proposal has the capacity to deliver climate action while bringing very real benefits to the local area and its people. Renewable energy production is essential to cut our carbon emissions and reduce Ireland’s dependency on costly imported fossil fuels.
What will this project bring?
While we can see continued progress in Ireland’s renewable energy production, we cannot have a zero-carbon electricity system without a grid infrastructure built to support it.
We believe this this proposal has the capacity to deliver climate action while bringing very real benefits to the local area and its people. Renewable energy production is essential to cut our carbon emissions and reduce Ireland’s dependency on costly imported fossil fuels.
Project Location
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