Irish energy developer Net Zero Energy has announced plans for a 600MW long-duration energy storage facility in County Carlow, using green hydrogen to store surplus renewable power and return it to the national grid on demand, as reported by reNews.

reNews reported that the proposed Rathrush Green Energy Park, located outside Rathoe, will use surplus wind and solar energy generated off-site to produce green hydrogen, which will then be stored deep underground in lined rock caverns before being converted back into electricity.

The project is designed to deliver a peak power output of 600MW for 70 hours, sufficient to meet approximately 10% of Ireland's peak electricity demand, equivalent to the combined electricity needs of counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois and Wexford.

The development carries an estimated cost of €2 billion and is projected to displace around 180,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. That reduction is equivalent to removing approximately 40,000 cars from Irish roads each year.

At peak construction, the project is expected to support up to 1,500 jobs, with around 70 permanent positions created once the facility becomes operational.

Tim Cowhig, chairman of Net Zero Energy, said: "By making available 600MW of renewable energy at the flick of a switch, this project can satisfy as much as 10% of Ireland's peak energy requirement. Rathrush Green Energy Park provides significant, secure, sustainable long duration energy storage for the Irish grid."

Net Zero Energy CEO Peter Harte said the project presents a timely solution to the energy dilemma facing the country, both in terms of security of supply and decarbonising the grid, adding that by harnessing energy that was previously being wasted, it can insulate consumers from future fossil fuel price shocks.

Net Zero Energy previously developed a 4.6MW battery energy storage system and assisted in permitting and grid connection for the Kelwin 26MW battery energy storage site. Separately, Ireland's department of climate, energy and environment has opened a call for evidence on geological hydrogen storage to inform future regulatory frameworks.

Ireland's electricity system currently draws on over 2GW of solar power capacity and more than 750MW of battery electricity storage, according to ESB, with utility-scale renewable generation already exceeding peak national demand.

Get the full details on the Rathrush Green Energy Park announcement.