FuturEnergy Ireland Proposes Groundbreaking Iron-Air Battery Project in Donegal

In a move that could position Ireland as a European leader in long-duration energy storage, FuturEnergy Ireland has submitted a planning application for a pioneering 10 MW iron-air battery facility near Buncrana, County Donegal. This ambitious project, named Ballynahone Energy Storage, has the potential to revolutionise Ireland's energy landscape and significantly contribute to its renewable energy targets.

Ireland could host Europe’s first large-scale, iron-air project southwest of Buncrana town in Donegal County.

The proposed facility, a joint venture between Coillte and ESB, is designed to store a remarkable 1 GWh of energy, enough to power thousands of homes for extended periods. What sets this project apart is its utilisation of iron-air battery technology, supplied by US-based Form Energy, which boasts a discharge duration of up to 100 hours. This long-duration storage capability is crucial for addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, ensuring grid stability and reliability even during periods of low generation.

FuturEnergy Ireland's planning application outlines a 2.9-hectare site accommodating 248 battery units housed in modified shipping containers. The facility will connect to the national grid via the nearby Trillick substation and is projected to have an operational lifespan of 30 years.

The technology's core principle involves the reversible rusting of iron

Iron-air battery technology offers several advantages, including its reliance on abundant and environmentally benign materials like iron, water, and air. The technology's core principle involves the reversible rusting of iron, a process that is inherently safe and avoids the risks associated with traditional battery chemistries.

Form Energy, the technology provider, has already deployed its iron-air batteries in several large-scale projects in the United States, demonstrating its commitment to commercialising this innovative solution. While the cost of the Ballynahone project remains undisclosed, FuturEnergy Ireland believes that iron-air technology has the potential to be a game-changer for the Irish power system.

This project aligns perfectly with Ireland's ambitious climate action plan, which aims to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in the country's electricity mix. By providing a reliable and cost-effective means of storing renewable energy, the Ballynahone facility could accelerate Ireland's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The approval and construction of this project would not only mark a significant milestone for Ireland but also position the country as a pioneer in the deployment of long-duration energy storage solutions in Europe. As the world increasingly embraces renewable energy, projects like Ballynahone Energy Storage will play a vital role in ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for generations to come.