Ireland has taken a significant step toward a more flexible and decarbonised power system with a major upgrade to its electricity grid’s Scheduling and Dispatch system, according to grid operator EirGrid. The enhancement—developed jointly by EirGrid, SONI, and the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO)—will allow large-scale battery storage to play a far more active role in balancing electricity supply and demand across the island.

The update, known as Initiative 2 of the Scheduling and Dispatch Programme (SDP-02), enables Energy Storage Power Stations (ESPS) to be fully integrated into the real-time electricity market for the first time. These grid-scale batteries will now be able not only to stabilise the system, as they have in recent years, but also to trade energy dynamically, charging when renewable generation is abundant and discharging when demand peaks.

According to EirGrid, the change will allow battery operators to signal preferred charging and discharging times, providing grid managers with improved visibility and enabling smarter decisions in managing the system.

Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, welcomed the update, noting that battery storage will be increasingly vital as more variable renewable energy—especially wind and solar—is added to the grid. “These units will grow in importance as more variable renewable energy is brought onto the system,” he said. “I welcome this update to increase the value and efficient utilisation of these battery units, supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.”

Liam Ryan, Chief Transformation, Technology and Offshore Officer at EirGrid, highlighted the complexity of managing a system with high levels of renewables. “Operating a power system with electricity generated from high levels of variable renewables is complex and technically very challenging,” he said. “After extensive engagement with industry and stakeholders, we have introduced this update to allow market participants and the control centres to realise more value from battery units.”

EirGrid emphasised that the reform will help address the limitations of traditional grid practices while maintaining stability and security. The move is also expected to reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation by enabling batteries to step in during periods of high demand.

The upgrade marks a key milestone in Ireland’s effort to build a more flexible, efficient, and sustainable power system as the country accelerates its transition to clean energy.