Asset manager Capital Dynamics and renewable energy developer Solo Renewables have formed a joint venture (JV) to build a long-term energy storage project (LDES) in Northern Ireland.
Located in Islandmagee, the 150MW battery will provide up to eight hours of storage capacity (1,200MWh) and was approved by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council earlier this year.
According to Capital Dynamics, the £100 million LDES project will be one of the first large-scale LDES power stations to be developed in Ireland’s internal electricity market.
Solar energy portal contacted Capital Dynamics about the project’s technology, but the company did not clarify which technology it will use for the LDES project.
Capital Dynamics highlighted the role of energy storage in supporting the integration of renewables in Northern Ireland ahead of the crisis Price guarantee for renewable electricity (REPG) scheme in 2027. Like the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme in Britain, the REPG is intended to support the development of sustainable energy projects in the country, which should in turn encourage private investment.
The asset manager added that longer-duration storage can provide crucial additional flexibility to help manage variability in renewable energy generation.
Barney Coles, senior managing director and co-head of clean energy at Capital Dynamics, said: “Long-term storage plays a crucial role in supporting Northern Ireland’s energy transition and is a fast and efficient way to strengthen the resilience of the electricity grid as renewable energy generation continues to grow. Projects such as these can provide additional flexibility to help manage renewable energy variability, support grid stability and improve the overall efficiency of the electricity system.
Interest in LDES in the UK continues to rise, as evidenced by energy storage developer Statera Energy earlier this year construction permit obtained for a 500 MW/4,000 MWh LDES project lasting 8 hours in Bedfordshire. In Carrington, LDES developer Highview began construction on a 50MW/300MWh liquid air energy storage project (pictured above) in November 2025, which will be commissioned later this year.
