Draft Approach 1: Generation-Led

Generation-Led

Put clean electricity generation close to where most power is used

Currently, SONI and NIE Networks must connect new electricity generators to the grid wherever they request. This applies even where the grid is weak or the local demand for electricity is low. Given that many developers plan to build new sources of clean electricity in remote locations, this creates a need for significant additions to the grid.

With this approach, new renewable generation would be located based on existing strengths and weaknesses of the electricity grid. The current model for locating renewable generation would be replaced by one that is led by government policy.

This approach would lead to more renewable generation being developed near more densely populated areas – as this is where there is greatest demand for electricity.

With this approach, a large proportion of new clean electricity that Northern Ireland needs would come from offshore wind farms on the east coast. This would then be balanced with some new wind and solar farms inland in other areas.

What work will be needed, and how much might it cost?

With this approach, we estimate we would need around 8 projects to add to or upgrade the electricity grid.

We estimate this approach is a less expensive way to prepare the grid for 2030 goals. It would cost approximately £120 million for related grid upgrades across the 8 projects. It presumes that 700 MW of the renewable electricity target comes from offshore wind off the east coast. This will be supported by about 500 MW of new solar energy and inland wind farms.

However, this approach needs a change in government and regulatory policy. It also needs the cooperation of the generation sector, and relies on the development of new renewable generation offshore.

This approach is highly likely to result in a grid that allows at least 70% of Northern Ireland’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

What might this draft approach look like?

The most likely consequence of this approach would be more wind farms off the east coast. However, connecting them to the grid would not require much visually-intrusive grid infrastructure. There would also need to be some new lines or cables.