SONI unveil roadmap to radically transform the NI electricity grid to meet renewable ambitions

The blueprint for Northern Ireland’s future grid, known as the Shaping Our Electricity Future Roadmap, is the result of a comprehensive 14-week consultation across all sectors of society and two years of research by the experts at SONI, including tens of millions of technical simulations.

The plan will be the foundation for delivering Stormont’s 2030 renewable electricity target which looks set to be no less than 70%. Achieving this will mean doubling the amount of renewable energy carried on the grid today; and for this to happen the grid needs to be made stronger and more flexible.

The Shaping Our Electricity Future Roadmap provides an outline of the key developments needed on the transmission grid but also includes the changes required in electricity system operations and in the electricity markets in order to deliver Northern Ireland’s 2030 clean energy ambition – an important step on the journey to net zero carbon emissions.

SONI consulted on four different approaches to developing the grid and the final roadmap contains a blended approach that looks at grid development from economic, technical, social acceptance and deliverability perspectives; seeking to minimise the impact on communities while still delivering Stormont’s 2030 renewable ambition.

The plan proposes three significant new grid infrastructure projects to move clean energy produced in the north and west, to the urban centres in the east, where it will be used. Nine upgrades to existing electricity transmission lines will also be required, in line with SONI’s commitment to fully utilise the existing transmission grid to minimise cost and disruption.

For 14 weeks from March 8, SONI held a series of workshops, meetings and fora across Northern Ireland to inform people and gather feedback that directly influenced the final roadmap.

The consultation was supported by a range of traditional and innovative engagement and participation activities. These included a Civil Society Forum, Industry Forum and direct engagement with stakeholders. SONI also engaged at grassroots level with rural communities, local businesses and young people.

SONI received just under 100 submissions from members of the public and industry during the consultation period.

Alan Campbell, SONI managing director, said: “SONI’s Shaping Our Electricity Future roadmap is key to securing Stormont’s renewable energy ambitions. It follows what was by far the most extensive consultation ever carried out by SONI and I believe that reflects the importance of the need to tackle climate change.

“The publication of the roadmap is particularly timely given current events at COP26 and the universal focus on the threat posed by global warming. The transmission grid requires unprecedented change by the end of the decade and that change will impact everyone. It will be challenging, but it will bring huge benefits to our environment, economy and society.

“Our final roadmap is based on the feedback we received during the Shaping Our Electricity Future consultation and what SONI experts feel is technically feasible when it comes to facilitating at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030. None of the significant grid developments proposed in the roadmap will move forward without early and meaningful engagement with stakeholders and communities.

“We look forward to implementing this roadmap with the support of industry, the electricity regulator and government so that Northern Ireland plays its part in tackling the climate emergency.”

The Shaping Our Electricity Future Roadmap is a joint document published by SONI the electricity system operator in Northern Ireland and EirGrid the electricity transmission system operator in Ireland. It also covers the Single Electricity Market and considers how the all-island electricity transmission system must change to meet ambitious 2030 decarbonisation ambitions in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you