Ireland's Battery Storage Hits Record 396MW in December

Ireland just proved that storing clean energy works on a national scale.

On December 15, Ireland's power grid discharged a record 396 megawatts from battery storage systems in a single day. That's enough electricity to power roughly 300,000 homes during peak demand.

The breakthrough came just weeks after Ireland opened its wholesale electricity market to battery storage providers last November. The new system lets batteries compete alongside traditional power plants, creating financial incentives for storing renewable energy when it's abundant and releasing it when demand spikes.

Ireland's batteries beat their previous record of 362MW, set only three weeks earlier in November. The rapid improvement shows how quickly storage technology can scale when given the right market conditions.

Renewables supplied 43.8% of Ireland's total electricity in December, with wind turbines generating most of that clean power. While solar only contributed 0.5% during the winter months, Irish households are embracing rooftop panels at record rates. Over 34,000 families installed solar systems in 2025, a 16% jump from the year before.

The batteries proved especially valuable on Christmas Day. As families turned on ovens and appliances for holiday dinners, peak electricity demand shifted from evening to midday. Stored renewable energy helped meet 55% of that lunchtime surge.

The Ripple Effect

Ireland's success offers a roadmap for other countries struggling to balance renewable energy with reliable power. Wind and solar generate electricity when nature cooperates, not necessarily when people need it. Batteries bridge that gap, storing excess clean energy for cloudy, calm days or nighttime demand.

The technology also reduces reliance on fossil fuel plants that traditionally handled demand spikes. As battery systems grow larger and cheaper, they're becoming essential infrastructure for grids transitioning away from coal and natural gas.

Diarmaid Gillespie, who oversees grid operations at state utility EirGrid, noted that December marked another strong month for wind generation contributing to Ireland's energy mix. The country is building momentum toward its renewable energy targets while keeping the lights on reliably.

Ireland's batteries are storing more than electricity—they're capturing proof that clean energy can power modern life.