NZE Chief Executive, Peter Harte commented, “The project presents an important as well as timely solution to the current pressing and complex energy dilemma facing the country, both in terms of security of supply and decarbonising our grid.
“Moreover, by harnessing an energy source which was heretofore being wasted, we can insulate consumers from future fossil fuel crises and price shocks such as we saw in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and more recently, in the Middle East. By delivering a national solution helping Ireland on its journey to energy independence, it simultaneously provides reassurance and confidence for high-end electricity users seeking to locate here in Ireland,” he concluded.
NZE chairman, Tim Cowhig stated, “By making available 600MW of renewable energy at the flick of a switch, this project can satisfy as much as 10% of Ireland’s peak energy requirement. Rathrush Green Energy Park provides significant, secure, sustainable long duration energy storage for the Irish grid.
“Ireland has never been in such a precarious position in terms of our energy security. We spend €10 billion annually importing fossil fuels. This project is particularly timely with widespread debate and focus on Ireland’s climate change targets and the enormous, subsequent fines which would result if we fail to meet them,” concluded Cowhig.
At peak, there will be up to 1,500 workers on-site during the construction phase with some 70 long-term, highly skilled jobs created once complete. Rathrush Green Energy Park will store thirty times more green energy than Turlough Hill and have seven times the generation capacity of Ardnacrusha. Following a community consultation program, the developer hopes to be in a position to lodge a planning application by the end of this year.
