Post: Scheduling and dispatch programme to revolutionise energy storage market in Ireland

Scheduling and dispatch programme to revolutionise energy storage market in Ireland

Scheduling and dispatch programme to revolutionise energy storage market in Ireland

Ireland’s energy market is undergoing a major transformation through the Scheduling and Dispatch Programme (SDP). This initiative, led by the Transmission System Operators (TSOs), aims to enhance how electricity is scheduled and dispatched across the grid in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) will be enabled to fully participate in energy trading, aligning with the EU Clean Energy Package and supporting Ireland’s renewable energy goals.

Under the new framework, batteries will be permitted to buy and sell electricity in the day-ahead, intra-day, and real-time markets in the same way as traditional power plants. This shift positions batteries as active market participants, capable of optimising their operation based on market price signals and system needs. The project enhances the economic viability of battery assets unlocking the access to multiple trading platforms and revenue streams and encourages broader participation in energy markets.

Batteries can communicate their intended charging and discharging schedules directly to the grid operators. This empowers asset owners to better align their operations with both market conditions and system demand, offering a higher degree of control over how and when batteries are used. It also allows for more efficient scheduling of grid resources, particularly during periods of volatility or high renewable generation. Transmission System Operators (TSOs) will also have real-time access to data on the state of charge of individual battery systems. This provides better situational awareness, enabling them to make more informed decisions about when and how to dispatch battery resources to balance supply and demand. Batteries will also receive clearer and more accurate operational instructions from the grid, which enhances their responsiveness and efficiency.

“The new Scheduling and Dispatch framework brings fantastic opportunities for BESS owners who will be able to take advantage of new revenue streams and smarter trading. By leveraging real-time data and predictive analytics, GridBeyond’s platform can support battery owners and operators to optimise dispatch and trading decisions, said Richard O’Loughlin, Deputy CEO at GridBeyond.

“We have been offering energy services and trading operations for several years empowering asset owners with advanced tools and AI-powered solutions including Forecaster andBid-Optimizer, which are essential for maximising revenue and achieving operational savings in Ireland’s energy market. With the ability to trade more freely and flexibly, battery operators can now tap into new revenue streams.”

“The new framework will also accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system by integrating efficient operation of low-carbon technologies.”