Post: Behind-the-meter storage, an energy solution for Ireland but challenges remain

Behind-the-meter storage, an energy solution for Ireland but challenges remain

There are several benefits that a behind the meter (BtM) battery storage system can offer customers, the grid operator and the island or Ireland more widely. But to fully realise such shared benefits, it is important that the barriers BTM faces today are addressed. That’s according to Energy Storage Ireland.

In a paper, published on 10 July Energy Storage Ireland noted the benefits of a behind the meter battery storage system for industrial consumers. These include energy cost savings through taking advantage of energy arbitrage (buying energy and charging the battery when the electricity price is low and then later using the stored energy onsite to avoid times of higher electricity prices), revenues from trading and using the battery for demand side flexibility. But BTM battery systems also face challenges including planning and grid connection, inability within the current market design to Share Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) and tariff structure issues.

Energy Storage Ireland called on the government, grid operator and regulator to:

• Allow BtM units to secure a grid connection export license with less difficulty
• Introduce a hybrid-type connection for BtM units that are seeking to complement an existing renewable generation unit on a site
• Investigate the benefits of fixed price import tariffs for BtM units
• allow all storage projects to participate fully in the energy market
• introduce reduced use-of-system charges 
• allow for a planning permission exemption for BtM units up to a threshold limit

GridBeyond Market and Regulation Specialist Laura Leonard said: