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ARTICLE · 13 NOVEMBER 2026

Green Light For Long Duration Storage Framework

William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP
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William Fry LLP

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Ireland's energy regulator has approved a framework to procure up to 500MW of long-duration energy storage, establishing eligibility criteria, tender weightings, and revenue mechanisms for the country's first dedicated LDES scheme. The decision settles key commercial terms including a ten-year revenue floor with upside sharing, while leaving critical operational details including contractual arrangements and trading envelope methodology to a second consultation expected shortly.

IrelandEnergy and Natural Resources
Eva Barrett
Eva Barrett
Fergus Devine
Fergus Devine
Jason Milne
Jason Milne
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The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has approved, subject to conditions, EirGrid’s framework for the procurement of up to 500MW of Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES), clearing the way for Ireland’s first dedicated LDES support scheme.

The decision (CRU2026174), published on 5 October 2026, follows EirGrid’s October 2025 consultation (which we reviewed here). It is informed by EirGrid’s recommendation paper to the CRU and a Levelised Cost of Storage methodology paper which are expected to be published shortly.

The decision settles the eligibility criteria, tender weightings, revenue floor and contract term for the initial procurement round. The CRU has confirmed that the decision does not constitute approval of any future procurement rounds. Furthermore, several of the mechanisms that will matter most to bidders and lenders are left to a second consultation on contractual arrangements. Here is our summary of the key elements of this initial decision and what they mean

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