Power System Transition
How we can transition to a future of renewable energy sources, considering the needs of increased electricity demand.
The All-Island Power System
EirGrid and SONI together operate the electricity transmission systems for the island of Ireland. As the sector moves towards a sustainable, low-carbon future, there will be major changes in the electricity system.
The changes needed include:
- How and where electricity is generated
- Connecting energy sources to the grid
- The ways it is bought and sold
- Electricity use (e.g. for transport and heat)
The electricity system will carry more power than ever before.
Most of that power will be from non-synchronous renewables such as wind and solar.
Coal and oil-based generation will be phased out in the next decade, with natural gas being the transition fuel.
At the same time, new technologies will allow electricity users to generate and store power and return any surplus to the grid.
Realising these opportunities needs a significant transformation of the electricity system.
Climate and Energy Policy
Our strategies are shaped by climate change and the need for a secure transition to renewable energy.
The context of climate change is well understood and beyond scientific doubt.
The only question now is how fast society can respond.
The Climate Action Plan for Ireland
The Government's 2023 Climate Action Plan was the first to be prepared under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. This plan tasks the sector with achieving 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030, while the Act sets the objective of net zero emissions by 2050.
Targets for Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the proposed vision is net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while maintaining affordable energy for consumers.
The Shaping Our Electricity Future Roadmap provides an outline of the key developments to support this transition for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Community Participation
The active participation of communities is integral to the energy transition. The electricity system powers all of our lives.
In the future, we aim to see local communities having a much greater stake in energy projects. It helps in meeting their energy needs, and increasing acceptance of infrastructure projects.
Since November 2021, we have continuously engaged with the public on delivering the renewable ambition.
Renewable Energy Support Scheme
In Ireland, we have operated a Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) since July 2020.
The scheme includes a special category for community owned projects. Not only are they owned by the communities, they primarily benefit them.
In the RESS 1 auction seven such projects were successful. This represents the beginning of a new era for communities investing in their long-term energy needs.
Similarly for the RESS 2 auctions, a further 15 community projects were successful.
Industry Engagement
Similar to public engagement, there has been continuous engagement with the industry over the past 2 years.
This included a call for inputs over summer 2022 and regular engagement with the Shaping our Electricity Future Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council includes approximately 30 industry experts representing various sectors of the electricity industry in Ireland, Northern Ireland and further afield.
For more information on our industry engagement, see our Advisory Council page