Ireland’s first hybridised grid-stabilisation system officially opened by Taoiseach Micheál Martin

• Shannonbridge B, delivered in partnership between Lumcloon Energy and Hanwha Energy, combines a 4,000MVA Synchronous Condenser and a 180 MWh Battery Energy Storage Project.

• The state-of-the-art development has the capability to export 20MW of electricity for 9 hours, significantly improving Ireland’s energy security and enhancing grid resilience

Ireland’s first hybridised grid-stabilisation system was officially opened today by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly.

The Shannonbridge B Synchronous Condenser and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which helps to significantly improve Ireland’s energy security and enhances grid resilience, is a state-of-the-art development completed earlier this year.

The project was developed by Lumcloon Energy, an Irish company focused on supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon electricity system, and its partner Hanwha Group — a global leader delivering large-scale, technology-driven solutions across energy, aerospace, maritime, and defence.

At a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin formally opened the hybridised grid-stabilisation project, which comprises a 4,000 MVA Synchronous Condenser and a 180MW battery storage system with capacity to export up to 20MW of electricity to the national grid for 9 hours.

The Synchronous Condenser technology involves a generator linked to a flywheel and possesses the capacity to store energy. This stored energy can be harnessed to mitigate frequency variations, improve system inertia and enhance grid stability. In addition, the BESS system is equipped to store surplus renewable energy, which can be released as needed onto the national grid. 

The Shannonbridge B system is situated adjacent to the 220kV Shannonbridge transmission station, which allows the dual technology project to enhance the dependability of renewable energy sources and enhance grid system stability. 

Construction work first commenced on the hybrid project in 2023 and was completed in the second half of 2025.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“Ireland’s energy system is changing dramatically as we work towards our climate goals. Decarbonisation of our energy system is the first step in achieving a carbon-free future, but it also presents challenges to how our grid network is managed and operated.

“As Ireland’s first hybridised grid-stabilisation system, the Shannonbridge B project is exactly the kind of infrastructure required to accelerate the decarbonisation of Ireland’s power system. I want to congratulate Lumcloon Energy and their partners Hanwha Energy on delivering a world-class piece of infrastructure that will benefit future generations to come.

“The investment in the Shannonbridge B project is all the more important given that it is located right beside the old peat-fired power station in Shannonbridge. Not only is this project representative of the renewable energy transition, but it’s also an important investment to support local communities in Offaly and the surrounding region to enable a just transition with the creation of new, highly skilled jobs in the renewable energy sector.”

Nigel Reams, Chief Executive of Lumcloon Energy, said:

“Shannonbridge B is a landmark achievement delivered by Lumcloon Energy in partnership with Hanwha Energy, combining long-term international investment strength with deep Irish development expertise. The project is the first in Ireland to combine a hybrid system of energy storage technologies, including a 4,000MVA Synchronous Condenser and a 180 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). 

“This innovative configuration delivers both grid stability and energy flexibility, providing essential services to the electricity system as Ireland transitions to higher levels of renewable energy. This project was designed to meet Ireland’s growing electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions. It reflects a long-term vision for a low-carbon energy future, aligning with EU energy targets and national sustainability plans.”

Jaekyu Lee, CEO of Hanwha Energy, said: 

“The successful delivery of Shannonbridge B is a testament to Hanwha Energy’s commitment to pioneering sustainable energy solutions that address the complex challenges of modern power grids. As Ireland moves towards a high-renewable future, our dual-technology approach, hybridising a Synchronous Condenser with BESS, provides the essential stability and flexibility required for a resilient national grid. 

This project marks a significant milestone in our global portfolio and reinforces the strong economic and technological ties between Korea and Ireland. We are delighted to work alongside our partner, Lumcloon Energy, to set a new global benchmark for grid stabilisation. Hanwha Energy remains dedicated to investing in innovative infrastructure that supports Ireland’s ambitious climate targets and ensures a secure, low-carbon energy supply for the future.”

Mark Christal, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland, said:

“I would like to congratulate Lumcloon Energy in partnership with Hanwha Group on the opening of the Shannonbridge B facility – a significant milestone by an Irish company that has gone from strength to strength. The opening of this hybrid energy stabilising system is testament to the company’s ambition and mission to support the sustainability agenda, enhancing the dependability and durability of renewable energy sources.

“A key goal for Enterprise Ireland is to support companies to make the transition to the low-carbon, resource-efficient economy of the future and innovative solutions like the Shannonbridge B Synchronous Condenser and Battery Energy Storage System are key to supporting this critical issue.  I would like to congratulate the team on today’s announcement in Shannonbridge, and we look forward to continuing to support the team as they continue to address the energy storage challenge through innovation.”

ENDS

About Lumcloon Energy

Lumcloon Energy is an Irish energy developer focused on supporting Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon electricity system. Founded in 2008, the company specialises in flexible generation, energy storage, and grid stability projects that enable greater renewable energy integration. 

As the local development partner for Shannonbridge B, Lumcloon Energy played a pivotal role in progressing the project from concept through planning, development, and delivery, combining strong local expertise with strategic international partnerships.

About Hanwha Energy

Hanwha Energy is a leading energy platform specialising in development, grid stability, and B2C energy retail, leveraging its global solar and ESS expertise. In Ireland, Hanwha Energy acted as a market pioneer through the development and operation of 200MW of grid-scale battery storage assets supporting EirGrid’s DS3 system services programme, and continues to expand its grid stabilisation portfolio with Shannonbridge B. 

Shannonbridge B sets a new benchmark for hybrid grid stabilisation to strengthen frequency stability and support a low-carbon power system. Across Italy and Spain, Hanwha is advancing a 4GW pipeline focused primarily on BESS and hybrid projects, while also supplying electricity to 31,000 customers in Spain through its retail platform, demonstrating a scalable, commercially sustainable energy model for Europe.