Construction Dive''s July 2025 Economic Roundup

Could energy storage transform Ireland's energy system?

If this pipeline was built out, the report states that Ireland could capture all of that wasted energy, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, and driving down energy costs for consumers. "Energy storage solutions can transform our electricity system for the better," said Bobby Smith, head of Energy Storage Ireland.

Is energy storage a problem in Ireland?

“A lot of energy storage has crept under the radar so far in Ireland,” he told ESS News. Developers secure planning quite easily but the route to market is a challenge. Energy storage has the opposite problem to the wind industry where planning is an obstacle but the route to market is there.

Which energy storage companies are working in Ireland?

Statkraft delivered the first energy storage project in Ireland with Fluence in 2020, at its Kilathmoy wind farm and the company has continued to have a strong presence in the Irish energy storage field since then. The company is also lining up another milestone project soon, with the country's first four-hour duration energy storage system.

How much wind energy is wasted in Ireland?

According to Energy Storage Ireland, 14% of all wind energy generated in Ireland last year was wasted due to lack of storage. Ireland's energy storage could increase eightfold by 2035, according to a new report by Energy Storage Ireland.

Where are Ireland's most exciting energy projects being developed?

Photograph: Bloomberg One of Ireland's most exciting and important energy projects is quietly being developed at a remote outpost in Donegal, not far from Malin Head.

Will 2025 be a busy year in the Irish energy sector?

2025 is set to be a busy year in the Irish energy sector. In this article, we explore sector specific developments and trends that we expect to see through 2025 and beyond. 2025 is set to be a busy year in the Irish energy sector.

What is energy storage in a microgrid?

In a microgrid, energy storage performs multiple functions, such as ensuring power quality, performing frequency and voltage regulation, smoothing the output of renewable energy sources, providing backup power for the system, and playing a crucial role in cost optimization.

Are microgrids the future of energy?

Last year, the share of new global energy added by distributed generation exceeded the amount added by new centralized power plants for the first time ever. According to Navigant Research, by 2026, microgrids are expected to supply three times more new power to the grid than centralized generation resources.

What is a complex microgrid?

Adoption of complex microgrids can involve multiple energy carriers in integrated energy systems, e.g. involving passive design, electricity, heat, light, and other energy service requirements.

Why is energy storage important in a microgrid exploitation?

The energy storage system has an important role in a microgrid exploitation because it allows the flexibility needed to assure the balance between the production and consumption, in the presence of variations of either loads or intermittent sources.

What is a microgrid?

One emerging entity of great current interest is microgrids, i.e. locally controlled energy systems that can operate grid-connected or as electrical islands, although technologies and examples of systems that may not strictly be microgrids, such as remote power systems, community energy, etc., are also highly relevant.

What is energy storage in 2025?

Energy Storage in 2025: What's Hot and What's Next? The energy storage landscape is changing quickly as scientists work to create better and longer-lasting storage solutions. Experts are focused on improving smart grids to ensure that electricity systems work well and are cost-effective.

Is home energy storage a good investment?

As energy prices fluctuate and the push for sustainability continues, home energy storage will become an essential investment for homeowners worldwide. By choosing high-performance, cost-effective, and smart battery systems, consumers can take full advantage of the energy revolution and secure their energy future.

How can home energy storage systems be safer?

Safety Enhancements: Innovations such as fire-resistant battery casings, overcharge protection, and AI-based fault detection will make home energy storage systems safer than ever. 1. Global Carbon Neutrality Goals

What are the key developments in the energy industry?

Key developments include: The European Union's Green Deal aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, with generous incentives for solar and battery storage. The United States' Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides tax credits for home energy storage systems, increasing affordability.

What industry trends will be impacted in 2025?

Innovative thermal and hydrogen technologies are also helping to lower the carbon footprint of the sector. Meanwhile, industrial consumers are adopting energy storage as a service to integrate renewable sources and meet their demands. This table illustrates the most influential industry trends and their projected impact in 2025.

How to choose a home energy storage battery?

For those considering purchasing a home energy storage battery, the following factors should be carefully evaluated: Battery Type: Choose between LiFePO₄ (safer, longer lifespan) and NMC (higher energy density). Cycle Life and Warranty: Look for batteries with at least 6,000 cycles and strong warranties.

What is C&I Energy+Storage Summit Zambia?

Zambia is at a turning point in its energy journey, between growing demand, policy reform and a clear appetite for private generation The C&I Energy+Storage Summit Zambia, a landmark event for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is set to launch on 27-28 August 2025 in Lusaka.

What's happening in Zambia in 2025?

Day 1 (27 August 2025): The day kicks off with a keynote, moderated by Dr Johnstone Chikwanda, featuring a project briefing on energy strategies, followed by case studies where early adopters such as Dangote Cement Zambia and Shoprite Zambia share embedded generation successes.

Is Zambia at a turning point in its energy journey?

As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group, a leading organiser of transformative industry events across Africa, this summit will drive the SADC region's energy future. “ Zambia is at a turning point in its energy journey,” says Chanelle Hingston, Portfolio Director of VUKA Group's Power and Energy Portfolio.