The Micro-Renewable Energy Federation (www.mref.ie) said this afternoon that Storm Éowyn has once again demonstrated the lack of climate resilience in the Irish electricity distribution grid. Storm Éowyn has caused blackouts for over 700,000 electricity customers that will days to repair and reconnect.
The Chairman of the Micro-Renewable Energy Federation, Ciaran Kells, said:
“Widespread electrification of businesses, farms and households in the race to Net Zero by 2050 has increased dependence on electricity. This is also compounding the pressure that is already on peak supply times under normal conditions which has increased the likelihood of blackouts outside of climate events. However, a major weather event such as Storm Éowyn throws into sharp focus just how vulnerable we are and the lack of climate resilience withing the gird network and policy direction.”
Ciaran Kells said: “To counter these increased vulnerabilities, the government needs to incentivise battery installations for homes and businesses. Battery installations in combination with solar PV generation will create greater independence from the grid. In the event of widespread power outages such as those caused by Storm Éowyn, this will give households a backup power supply to allow them to continue to cook food, run their water pumps (for those not on public supplies, and keep their home’s warm.”
Mr. Kells said: “Large number of households have also switched to heat pumps for home heating because of government policy. Most new builds do not have a fireplace or the ability to light a fire for heat. Backup power from battery storage will allow people to keep their homes at an acceptable level of warmth. Even in January homes can charge at the night rate in advance of a weather event and then use this power to run essential services during a blackout.”
“Even operating under normal conditions, battery installations allow homeowners and businesses charge their batteries at lower electricity rates and discharge during peak times. This makes sense for both the consumer and the grid as it lowers the peak demand pressures on the grid and provides energy cost savings.”
“Without effective incentives, and even with the financial benefits of load shifting, the initial cost of battery installations puts them beyond the reach of many households. The new government needs to provide an easily accessible grant for Irish households and businesses to incentivize and support battery system installations,” he added.
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