First flywheel hybrid energy storage plant in Europe is opened
Europe’s first flywheel hybrid energy storage plant has been officially launched in Ireland.
The plant in Rhode, County Offaly, is owned and operated by Irish energy company Schwungrad Energie and is expected to enter a test operational phase in February.
The Rhode hybrid demo project comprises two Beacon Power 160 kW flywheels and Hitachi Chemical valve-regulated lead acid batteries of up to 240 kW.
The plant will have a maximum import capacity of 400 kVA and maximum export capacity of 422 kVA when completed.
Schwungrad says that the flywheel system has very high cycling ability and can rapidly absorb short-term excess grid energy and generate energy as needed by grid operators.
The company adds that the batteries can provide energy over longer durations but have more limited cycling capabilities. The hybrid flywheel will assist in disruption mitigation, during times of unexpected demand or sudden changes in energy supply/demand.
