2022 has been a year in which battery technology and commitments have converged, and we’ve collectively achieved several milestones to be proud of. In response to European targets, Erid Grid has been pursuing its DS3 Programme with the aim of “delivering a secure, sustainable electricity system.” Given that our large-scale Energy Storage Systems can participate in this exciting market, we explain what DS3 is and why it has significant potential in the ever-expanding sustainable energy market.
Introducing DS3
Ireland, like many countries in Europe, has long harboured ambitious climate change policies. By 2020, Ireland’s EU target was for 16% of the country’s total energy consumption to come from renewable energy sources. DS3 was launched in order to help Ireland meet their ambitious electricity targets, with their primary objective to increase the amount of renewable energy generated and supplied on the Irish power system.
Synchronous vs Non-Synchronous Generation
As you might be aware, electricity can be generated in two ways – synchronous and non-synchronous generation. Synchronous generation is capable of producing a consistent flow of electricity if instructed to do so. As a result, it is predictable, reliable, and easy to integrate into the national grid. The most common types of synchronous generation are fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
On the other hand, non-synchronous generation is about producing electricity from the energy that is available. It’s not capable of producing an unlimited amount of electricity all of the time, which makes it less reliable and subject to various factors. Most renewable sources of energy fall under the non-synchronous label, such as solar and wind. But for the future of our planet, we need to focus our attention on non-synchronous generation and how to harness it more efficiently.
DS3 and its importance to Ireland
As a result of DS3, Ireland achieved some big milestones and saw an increase in the allowable amount of non-synchronous generation on the Irish power system. By 2018, DS3 had enabled TSOs in Ireland to increase instantaneous levels of renewable energy generation on the system by 15%, which was a world first. By 2021, this was increased by 10% and is perhaps the standout achievement of the DS3 programme. As a result, Ireland now has very high levels of renewable energy – in 2020, renewable energy in Ireland accounted for 43% of electricity production.
By 2030, Ireland wants to achieve a yearly average of 80% of electricity coming from renewable sources, and you can find out more about their ambitious plans here.
Large-scale battery energy storage
If European nations are to follow Ireland’s example – and indeed, if Ireland is to meet its lofty ambitions by 2030 – we believe that large-scale battery energy storage has a fundamental role to play. Battery energy storage solutions alleviate much of the pressure from the national grid and allow us to make the absolute most of non-synchronous electricity production.
For more information about how AceOn is at the forefront of battery energy storage solutions in Europe, take a look at our applications and how we’re helping to shape our collective future with energy storage at the centre.
