New Rhode energy project will have global commercial value

Rhode is taking the first step in paving the way for grid stabilisation and the decarbonisation of electricity.

The launch of a new flywheel battery pilot project at the Schwungrad Energie facility next to the village was warmly welcomed by EU Commissioner Phil Hogan on Wednesday.

"It's a wonderful initiative where we see some expenditure from Brussels making an impact on our energy requirements for the future through battery technology and energy storage on the ground here in Rhode," Commissioner Hogan told the Offaly Independent.

"Offaly has been central to our energy provision for the last 70 years and it has an opportunity now to adjust and adapt to the new technologies like the flywheel technology that we've launched here in Rhode."

Pictured at the launch of the test phase of the EU Horizon 2020 supported AdD HyStor Project by Schungrad Energie in Rhode on Wednesday morning were, left to right: Deputy Barry Cowen; Nigel Reams, MD Schwungrad Energie; Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council; Prof. David Stone, University of Sheffield; Dr Hendrik Schaede, MD, Adaptive Balancing Power, Germany; Klaus Harder, Business Development Manager, Freqcon, Germany; Commissioner Phil Hogan; and Councillor John Clendennen.

Read more today's edition of the Offaly Independent.