EPISODE · Apr 6, 2026 · 49 MIN
Energy Storage: Ireland's Game Changer
from The Energy Canvas with Celtic Dynamics · host Celtic Dynamics
The growth of wind and solar power presents an urgent challenge: how to effectively manage and store renewable electricity when the system needs it most. Without bulk storage, Ireland risks relying on volatile imported gas and losing valuable clean electricity when generation is high.This episode dives into the technologies and policies changing this landscape, exploring everything from lithium ion batteries to long duration storage solutions like iron-air technology. We discuss market structures, financing hurdles, and the major role storage plays in driving energy independence and reducing consumer costs.Joining host Dylan Walsh is Bobby Smith, the Director of Energy Storage Ireland. Bobby represents energy storage interests across Ireland and Northern Ireland and is an expert in grid policy and market development.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT:- Energy storage defined for Ireland.- Lithium ion batteries dominate storage.- New long duration technologies emerging.- Ireland's energy market policy history.- Storage needed to reduce renewable waste.GUEST DETAILS:Bobby Smith is Director of Energy Storage Ireland, a representative body for the energy storage industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Since 2019, Bobby has worked with ESI members and policy makers to promote the development of energy storage on the island. In previous roles, Bobby worked as Grid Manager in Wind Energy Ireland and as an analyst in the Commission for Regulation of Utilities where he was involved in areas such as electricity networks policy, security of supply and the development of the DS3 ancillary services market arrangements.MORE INFORMATION:About The Energy Canvas PodcastThe Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions.Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest? Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics.Produced by DustPod.io for Celtic DynamicsQUOTESI often describe energy storage as like a game changer, because traditionally, we haven't been able to store electricity. - Bobby SmithBatteries are very good at providing that, because a battery... if it has a charge, it can respond in milliseconds to one of these system issues. - Bobby SmithSo the batteries were able to sort of enter the energy market over that Christmas period and resolve some of the issues, because they were able to supply energy into the market at those peak times. - Bobby SmithKEYWORDS #EnergyStorage #IrishEnergy #BatteryTechnology #GridStability #EnergyTransition
What this episode covers
The growth of wind and solar power presents an urgent challenge: how to effectively manage and store renewable electricity when the system needs it most. Without bulk storage, Ireland risks relying on volatile imported gas and losing valuable clean electricity when generation is high.This episode dives into the technologies and policies changing this landscape, exploring everything from lithium ion batteries to long duration storage solutions like iron-air technology. We discuss market structures, financing hurdles, and the major role storage plays in driving energy independence and reducing consumer costs.Joining host Dylan Walsh is Bobby Smith, the Director of Energy Storage Ireland. Bobby represents energy storage interests across Ireland and Northern Ireland and is an expert in grid policy and market development.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT:- Energy storage defined for Ireland.- Lithium ion batteries dominate storage.- New long duration technologies emerging.- Ireland's energy market policy history.- Storage needed to reduce renewable waste.GUEST DETAILS:Bobby Smith is Director of Energy Storage Ireland, a representative body for the energy storage industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Since 2019, Bobby has worked with ESI members and policy makers to promote the development of energy storage on the island. In previous roles, Bobby worked as Grid Manager in Wind Energy Ireland and as an analyst in the Commission for Regulation of Utilities where he was involved in areas such as electricity networks policy, security of supply and the development of the DS3 ancillary services market arrangements.MORE INFORMATION:About The Energy Canvas PodcastThe Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions.Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest? Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics.Produced by DustPod.io for Celtic DynamicsQUOTESI often describe energy storage as like a game changer, because traditionally, we haven't been able to store electricity. - Bobby SmithBatteries are very good at providing that, because a battery... if it has a charge, it can respond in milliseconds to one of these system issues. - Bobby SmithSo the batteries were able to sort of enter the energy market over that Christmas period and resolve some of the issues, because they were able to supply energy into the market at those peak times. - Bobby SmithKEYWORDS #EnergyStorage #IrishEnergy #BatteryTechnology #GridStability #EnergyTransition
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Energy Storage: Ireland's Game Changer
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