Ireland – Research and development services and related consultancy services – Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision in four lots of Offshore Renewable Energy and Renewable Energy Consultancy RFT 233409 - (PAS126F) - Request for Tenders for Provision of – [Electricity Storage] Emerging Technology Sandbox – Strategic Analysis Report

In line with Climate Actions Plan actions (EL/23/23 & EL/24/16), in July 2024 the Electricity Storage Policy Framework (ESPF) for Ireland was published. The ESPF sets out the strategic role that electricity storage systems play in Ireland’s energy transition and the key role they will play in our zero-carbon future. It contains 10 Government actions to support the incorporation of electricity storage systems to the electricity grid network. Action #2 of the Electricity Storage Policy Framework: ‘Emerging Technology Sandbox’ (sandbox), actions the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to establish a Sandbox project in conjunction with both the System Operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks. A ‘Sandbox’ is an environment in which technologies can be tested in isolation and thus allows for research into new and emerging technologies whilst preventing them from impacting the wider system in which they would operate, in this case the electricity grid network. The principal objective of the Sandbox is to increase the technological knowledge of the System Operators regarding the incorporation of new and emerging electricity storage technologies to the Irish grid system. Successful completion of this project will situate the Irish grid system and the System Operators in an advantageous and attractive position vis a vis the trialling and location of new and emerging electricity storage technologies, which in turn will accelerate the incorporation of new electricity storage technologies, capable of accelerating Irelands energy transition, on to the Irish grid network. A Strategic Analysis Report (SAR) is required to progress this government action.