Kerry battery storage facility is acquired

Capital Dynamics boosts Ireland's green energy grid, acquiring a pioneering 170MW long-duration battery storage system in Kerry for enhanced stability.

The battery storage system was granted planning permission in October.

Global asset management firm Capital Dynamics, has acquired a ready-to-build battery energy storage system ("BESS") project located in Knockanure, in Kerry.

The project has secured grid connection capacity of 170MW at the neighbouring 110kV Knockanure substation and will be amongst the first to be delivered in the Republic of Ireland as a long-duration energy storage (“LDES”) solution, as classified by EirGrid. Having secured planning consent in October 2025, work has started on procurement and delivery planning.

With a significant share of the country’s electricity produced by renewables, additional flexibility will be required to support a grid that is already experiencing rising curtailment rates. LDES projects therefore represent an essential part of Ireland's energy security and grid flexibility. By charging when generation exceeds demand and discharging at times of system need, BESS infrastructure provides grid stability that directly supports the local economy and community.

Barney Coles, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Clean Energy at Capital Dynamics, said: “We are pleased to announce our first investment in the Republic of Ireland and add to our growing portfolio of LDES projects in the broader Irish Single Electricity Market. At a time when renewable generation continues to grow, BESS projects are required to offer local businesses and communities an efficient and fast way to strengthen energy security and grid resilience.

“The Republic of Ireland represents one of the most compelling storage markets in Europe and combines a high and rising share of renewable generation with a clear policy commitment to decarbonise its grid. Taken together, this creates a structural demand for BESS solutions, and we look forward to supporting the build-out of the country’s low-carbon energy network.” 

The project was acquired from a group of private shareholders. Capital Dynamics was advised by Pinsent Masons (legal), Afry (technical) and Mazars (financial).