EirGrid has launched a five-stage framework document detailing its approach to the development of electricity transmission infrastructure and the opportunities for the public to provide input to the development of projects over the coming years.

The document, ‘Approach to the Development of Electricity Transmission Lines’, details how EirGrid is adopting a framework for the development of major projects that provides a clear and transparent process to all stakeholders, including the public and landowners.

Consultation and engagement are significant elements of the framework. EirGrid will endeavour to keep the public informed about projects, providing opportunities for input and feedback through all stages of the process.

“The purpose of this document is to provide information as to how we progress our large-scale transmission infrastructure projects over a number of key stages – through the public planning process, to construction and eventual operation,” explains Aidan Corcoran, manager of EirGrid’s Grid25 programme to upgrade the national grid.

EirGrid has identified five key stages of project development – four of which are undertaken prior to the lodgement of an application for planning permission.

Stage One – EirGrid begins the process of gathering technical, environmental and other information regarding the project, including early public and stakeholder consultation.

Stage Two – The results of consultation, together with technical and environmental studies are used to determine an emerging preferred route corridor or substation site. This is subject to further consultation and initial landowner engagement.

Stage Three – Site-specific technical and environmental surveys are carried out and a preliminary design of the proposed development is completed, with ongoing landowner engagement.

Stage Four – A planning application is prepared and submitted to the appropriate planning authority.

Stage Five – If the application is successful, construction plans are developed and wayleave notices are issued to landowners seeking access to land.

Over the course of – EirGrid’s Grid25 programme, approximately Eur3.2 billion will be invested in the planning

Companies with an interest in sustainable electricity and Smart Grids are invited to participate in an R&D programme involving demonstration projects, organised by EirGrid and System Operator Northern Ireland (SONI), the operators of the grid in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The power system of Ireland and Northern Ireland is changing. In 2020 it is expected that the electricity system across the island will have one of the highest levels of installed wind, as a percentage of system size, in the world. This change poses significant operational challenges for grid operators and new innovative technical solutions will need to be developed and implemented in the coming years. It is against this backdrop that EirGrid and SONI have issued this invitation.

EirGrid and SONI believe that working with companies on new concepts/solutions and technologies will play an important role in facilitating increasing amounts of sustainable energy and the emergence of Smart Grid technologies. To this end, a transparent process has been developed for enabling demonstration projects and the system operators are seeking expressions of interest from those who would like to be involved.

The areas of interest to the system operators include:

*Demand side management concepts

* System Operation including advanced control both at transmission and distribution level

* System Services e.g. reserve provision.

The upgraded national grid which is being put in place will provide a platform for Irish economic recovery and inward investment, according to EirGrid. During 2011, EirGrid completed approximately 80 km of new circuits as part of its Grid25 strategy and over 300 km of existing circuits were upgraded. A further 160 km of new circuits are at an advanced construction stage and are expected to be completed in 2012.

Implementation of the Grid25 programme is expected to create major benefits for all regions of Ireland. In addition, this coming September will see the completion of the East West Interconnector, which will electrically connect Ireland to the UK and beyond into Europe and will enable Ireland to participate in those electricity markets.

Dermot Byrne, chief executive of EirGrid, comments: “Business and job creation will benefit in a number of ways as we know that competition drives down prices, and that is attractive to new and existing investors. The first auction for capacity on the East West Interconnector will take place this summer, and this will enable Ireland to develop a new and indigenous sector – the energy export market. We have plenty of potential to develop our renewable energy resources here.”

He adds: “EirGrid recently announced a Eur500 million investment in a new electricity link between Munster and Leinster, and this, alongside other current or planned projects, will enable Ireland to have a 21st century grid, modern enough and flexible enough to cater for the requirements of future generations.”

The East West Interconnector project continues to progress on time for delivery in September 2012. This will bring an additional capacity of 500 MW (megawatts) of power to be traded in both directions. Benefits will include increased competitiveness, enhanced security of supply and the facilitation of renewable energy.

In the financial year ended 30th September 2011, EirGrid increased revenue to Eur470.7 million, from €443.8 million the previous year, and operating profit rose to €30.3 million, compared to €15.7 million in 2010. This increase in statutory profit largely reflects actual outturns in costs and revenues different to the assumptions made in setting EirGrid’s regulated tariffs, giving rise in this instance to an over-recovery. In accordance with normal regulatory practice, this will be corrected in future tariffs.

Renewable energy currently accounts for about 17% of total customer demand across the island or Ireland. The target in both jurisdictions is to reach 40% by 2020.

Public consultation has started on the Grid Link Project, an estimated Eur500 million development planned by EirGrid to upgrade the electricity grid. The development will involve the construction of a new power line linking Leinster and Munster. The Grid Link Project is a key element of EirGrid’s Grid25 strategy – a Eur3.2 billion investment in developing and upgrading Ireland’s electricity transmission grid.

EirGrid carried out a detailed analysis of the national transmission grid to identify the level of reinforcement required to ensure a secure electricity supply and to enable the country achieve its renewable energy targets. This analysis identified a capacity shortfall in the south and east of the country.

Dermot Byrne, chief executive of EirGrid, says: “This is a vital development strengthening the electricity grid across the south and east of the country that will help empower economic growth and enable Ireland to meet its renewable energy targets. The project will help enable Ireland to shift from a heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels to more sustainable sources of energy. It will also help ensure that the most efficient electricity generators in the south and east are utilised in the most effective way.”

EirGrid has established a dedicated project team that has identified a proposed study area within which the project will be located. The project team will undertake detailed studies and extensive public consultation over the coming years to determine constraints that will influence the siting and route selection.

The initial proposed project study area, spanning counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, is now the subject of non-statutory public consultation. This first stage of consultation will run for an eight-week period from Thursday 12th April 2012 to Friday 8th June 2012. For more information visit www.eirgridprojects.com/gridlink

Based on assessments to date, EirGrid has determined that the optimum solution is the construction of a 400 kV alternating current (AC) overhead line linking Cork and Kildare via Wexford. EirGrid will review its technology analysis at key stages throughout the project to ensure it remains valid.

EirGrid has established a comprehensive information service to inform people about the project, answer their questions, provide access to maps and technical documentation and hear their views. Information offices will open in New Ross, Carlow, Carrick-on-Suir and Midleton from Monday, 16th April. A lo-call information line, 1890-422 122, is operated during office hours and public open days will be held in May. People may also email the project to gridlink@eirgrid.com.

Ireland has passed a key renewable milestone as installed wind capacity now exceeds 2GW. That is enough power capacity to supply the needs of up to 1.3 million households on the island, depending on weather conditions. This is compared to just a quarter of that capacity connected a decade ago.

Fintan Slye, director of operations at EirGrid, the company responsible for planning and operating the transmission system, comments: “Ireland and Northern Ireland have huge renewable energy potential and EirGrid is committed to ensuring this potential is developed throughout the island as a whole. We now have over 2GW of installed wind and are at times operating with wind supplying 50% of the total demand on the island, one of the highest percentage renewable energy penetration levels of wind on any power system. Meeting our 2020 targets will mean that, at times, the amount of wind energy being generated in Ireland and Northern Ireland will be up to 75% of total demand. This increase of wind on our system has required extensive innovation and planning and further changes will be required to meet the challenges that 75% of wind penetration brings in areas such as system stability, resource flexibility and altered power flows.”

EirGrid is responding to these challenges in a number of ways; though the planning and development of transmission infrastructure, increased interconnection and the development of smart grid technology.

As part of NUI Galway Energy Night experts from the fields of business, enterprise and investment, innovation and energy technology will come together to debate ‘Putting Energy to Work for Ireland’ on Tuesday, 6 March. The Energy Night will run from 2 pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, NUI Galway, with the panel discussion commencing at 6 pm.

NUI Galway’s Energy Night is the only event of its kind in Ireland, and it reflects the central role the student organisers believe energy must play in the economic recovery of Ireland. Organised by the NUI Galway’s Chemistry, Energy and Physics Societies, Energy Night will also feature an Industry and Career Fair featuring some of the most prominent energy employers including Eirgrid, Cylon, Enerit, Nutherm, Shell, AER Sustainable Energy, United Technologies Research Centre Ireland, HDS Energy and Kingspan Renewables.

The week prior to NUI Galway Energy Night, 27 February to 4 March, organisers will be running targeted CV and professional development workshops for students interested in careers in the energy sector. These will be organised in conjunction with the Career Development Centre at NUI Galway. The Industry and Career Fair will run concurrently with a Poster Showcase of cutting-edge and multi-disciplinary energy research that is currently being undertaken in Irish universities. With presenters working in areas such as biofuels, wave energy, smart buildings, smart grids and data efficiency, the Career and Industry Fair and Research Showcase will provide an invaluable opportunity for students, academics and business people from around the country to network, exchange thoughts and ideas and set up new and exciting collaborations.

The centrepiece of Energy Night will take place at 6 pm with the Panel Discussion, ‘Putting Energy to Work for Ireland’. RTE’s The Business presenter, George Lee, will moderate the discussion that features energy executives and experts from Ireland and abroad including: Gabriel D’Arcy, CEO, Bord na Mona; Norman Crowley, founder of Crowley Carbon; Brian O’Cathain, CEO of Petroceltic; Serial Entrepreneur George Polk, who has worked with Richard Branson and George Soros; and Tom Kelly, Clean Tech Divisional Manager with Enterprise Ireland.

This event is open to members of the public. For more information visit the events website www.nuigenergynight.com, or contact Sinead Burke at director@nuigenergynight.com.

The Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture will be briefed by a wide range of opinion on the proposed €280 million high-voltage power line from Meath to Tyrone, when meets on Tuesday 21 February.

Representatives from the International Expert Commission, comprising three industry experts from Sweden, Norway and Belgium and established by Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte TD last year, will present their report on the matter to kick off the proceedings. National Grid operator EirGrid, as well as ESB Networks, will brief the Committee.

The Committee will also hear presentations by the North-East Pylon Pressure Campaign, the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and Ratheniska Action Group.

Wind farm developers have been granted improved access to the electricity transmission grid following a change to the rules that removes a significant market risk for them. After representations from EirGrid, the Commission for Energy Regulation has changed market access rules giving 1621 megawatts of wind power, representing 131 wind farms, the prospect of improved access to the electricity market.

Previously developers who had been offered connections to the grid before 2007 had to wait for associated reinforcement works to be completed before being allowed full market access rights. Now they will be able to avail of incremental levels of market access in line with the completion of network reinforcements. Studies completed to date by EirGrid indicate that 36 wind farms, totalling 529 MW, will get improved access to the grid following the rules change. The remaining studies will be completed by the end of the year.

Dermot Byrne, chief executive of EirGrid, says: “Ireland has some of the most ambitious renewable energy targets in Europe – 40% by 2020. While this undoubtedly presents challenges, EirGrid is committed to ensuring a secure, efficient, reliable power system which is capable of meeting these targets. We will continue to work closely with generators to find solutions to these challenges.”

He adds: “Measures such as this one are very positive and will allow generators to benefit from the incremental increases in network capacity resulting from work carried out under our Grid25 Grid Development Strategy. It also provides a stronger foundation for those who have not yet completed development to advance their projects.”

EirGrid has taken a significant step closer to the start of trading on the East West electricity Interconnector with the launch of a new online auction management platform that will facilitate the purchase of interconnector capacity, as well as detail auction calendars and products. The system also manages trading on the Moyle Interconnector linking Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The Interconnector, running from Rush in North Dublin to North Wales, will be operational from late 2012 and will greatly change the face of the Irish energy market through increased competition, facilitation of increased renewable energy and immediate access to other sources of energy.

EirGrid has also launched a smart phone app which will facilitate market players trade capacity on the interconnector while on the move.

Fintan Slye, director of operations at EirGrid, says: “The Interconnector is on track and on budget in terms of construction but there also has been huge progress over the last year in terms of preparation for market trading. By creating one single electronic auction platform for both interconnectors in the Irish Single Electricity Market, we are creating a more efficient market allowing traders to access both auctions thus saving time and optimising trading opportunities.”

The new smart phone app will allow users to browse key East West Interconnector-related data in an easy and intuitive format on their smart phones. From information on the interconnector itself, to a list of upcoming auctions and links to the auction management platform, the East West app provides information for traders and interested parties.

EirGrid has completed its work in offering transmission grid connections to wind farms as part of the Gate 3 programme. The Gate 3 grid connection offer programme is one which has the potential to result in a three-fold increase in the amount of renewable energy on the electricity network and EirGrid has been working with the Commission for Energy Regulation and ESB Networks on the programme.

The final offer of 94 offers to connect to the transmission grid was issued by EirGrid to Coillte for a 58 MW Windfarm in Sliabh Bawn, County Roscommon.

The 94 offers issued by EirGrid under the Gate 3 Programme represent a total of over 5,400 MW of electricity to renewable and conventional generators – this would be more than Ireland’s peak demand load.

At over 4,000 MW, renewable energy generators make up nearly three quarters of all offers under the programme. There is currently approximately 1,500 MW of renewable energy connected to the system.

Completion of the programme represents a significant step towards meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets. The Government has mandated that 40% of all electricity consumption must be met from renewable sources by 2020, the highest such target in Europe.

Dermot Byrne, chief executive of EirGrid, says: “I am delighted that this process has been completed on time. The amount of renewable energy connected to the grid has increased steadily over the past decade. In 2003 it accounted for just 4.4% of electricity usage whereas there is enough renewable generation on the system today to supply 15% of customer demand.  Ireland is making good progress towards its targets.”

EirGrid Group has published the executive report from a pioneering study into the design and architecture of a future Offshore Energy Grid. A key finding is that a well-designed offshore grid to cater for offshore generation could minimise the need for combined onshore and offshore reinforcement and would facilitate the development of more interconnector capacity between Ireland and Great Britain and, potentially, France.

EirGrid Group includes the operator of the power grid in Ireland, as well as System Operator Northern Ireland (SONI), and the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO) which manages the wholesale power market across the island.

“The development of energy production and transmission systems requires long term planning and this study is an important piece of analysis which sets out the appropriate architecture for a future offshore grid. Although focused on the Irish Sea, the approach adopted in the study can be used for the development of transmission grids in all the seas around Ireland,” says Mark Norton, manager of technology and standards at EirGrid.

The Report has already attracted considerable attention from European and international transmission operators who are examining the development of offshore energy facilities. An executive summary of the report is available at eirgrid.com and the full report will be released shortly.

Applications by wind farms in the Irish Sea, which are either in development or awaiting an offer for connection to the network, total 11,000MW (megawatts). These include 4,000MW in Irish territorial waters and a further 7,000MW in British waters.

This EirGrid study was carried out using bespoke software developed specifically by RSE, the Italian Agency for Research on Energy System Development.

The key findings of the study include:

* Interconnection: Integrated planning of the offshore network optimises the development needed to connect offshore generation and interconnection. This provides the opportunity to limit the overall length of network for interconnection between national networks.  This is particularly relevant to the connections between Britain and Ireland (historically only between two onshore points). Future Celtic Sea generation would also offer optimisation opportunities with interconnection between Ireland and France.

* The overall cost of offshore generation connection would be minimised by the development of ‘Meshed’ or interlinked networks.

* Offshore networks will make use of ‘smart’ devices to enhance flexibility and minimise the scale of the offshore network.

* Synergies onshore/offshore: The report shows strong technical/economical relationship between onshore and offshore. Reinforcement onshore can be minimised by using the offshore backbones which both guarantees offshore connection and alternative power transfer patterns.

Television and web viewers of the Royal Wedding in Britain caused a noticeable change to electricity demand. There was a unique change in electricity demand at the time of the televising of the event in London, according to EirGrid.

Demand fell as viewers gathered together to watch the wedding and stopped using other electrical appliances. The reduction was in the region of 120 megawatts, equivalent to the electricity demand of 78,000 average homes.

Similar changes have also happened in the past, noticeably at half time during games involving Irish teams such as football World Cup or rugby Grand Slam matches.