Leveraging innovation to accelerate our net-zero journey is a key priority for us at ESB. One way we do this is by scanning the global technology horizon to identify emerging technologies that will help to decarbonise the electricity system. This is the role of our Emerging Technology and Research and Development (R&D) team, publishers of the 2024 edition of the annual Emerging Technology Insights report.
“Our aim with this report is to present the state-of-play of the emerging energy technologies that will help drive forward ESB’s net-zero ambitions,” explains John Walsh, Emerging Technology and R&D Manager. We collaborate with experts across the industry, including within ESB, start-ups, consultants, and research organisations, to get a comprehensive view of the latest technologies. Working with our business units, we can hone in on those that are ready to pilot and ultimately adopt at ESB."
2024 Report Highlights
The 2024 report highlights a number of trends that are being explored across ESB, in some cases with pilot solutions already in place. Three key focus areas are:
- Energy storage
- Floating offshore wind
- Industrial heat pumps
The insights provided in this report helps fuel new project ideas across the organisation and with our external partners. By monitoring the emerging technology landscape in this way, we can be ready to tap into the latest global developments with potential to decarbonise our own energy system – helping us innovate to accelerate Ireland’s journey net zero.