POWER system operator SONI has unveiled plans to radically reduce the north's dependence on fossil fuels and transition to a cleaner indigenous renewable energy.
Its 'Shaping Our Electricity Future Roadmap' blueprint to transform the high voltage network follows a 14-week consultation (during which it received 100 submissions from the public and industry) and two years of research, including tens of millions of technical simulations.
Its publication comes ahead of the long-awaited new Northern Ireland Energy Strategy, which is expected will set a target for at least 70 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2030, which will mean doubling the amount of renewable energy currently carried on the grid.
SONI consulted on four different approaches to developing the grid, and its final roadmap contains a blended approach which looks at grid development from economic, technical, social acceptance and deliverability perspectives.
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.
It says 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.
But unlike its opposite number Eirgrid in the Republic, which identified 43 new grid projects needed for the transition and which will require an additional €1 billion investment, SONI has not put a price on what will be needed in Northern Ireland.
SONI managing director Alan Campbell said: “This roadmap is key to securing Stormont’s renewable energy ambitions and follows what was by far the most extensive consultation we ever carried out.
“The transmission grid requires unprecedented change by the end of the decade, and that will impact everyone. It will be challenging, but it will bring huge benefits to our environment, economy and society.
“But none of the significant grid developments proposed in the roadmap will move forward without early and meaningful engagement with stakeholders and communities.”
He added: “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.”
