Latest News
Latest News and Announcements
22.12.11 EirGrid and SONI are pleased to announce the publication of the All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 2012-2021. The report is available here All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 2012-2021
21.12.11 The All-Island Wind and Fuel Mix Report is a new report produced by the Operations Department of EirGrid and SONI. The report provides key operational statistics on wind generation and generation fuel mix for the Ireland and Northern Ireland Power System. The report covering November is available here
15.12.11 EirGrid Group’s Annual Renewable Report 2011 launched in Dublin by Pat Rabbitte, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources. See press release. Press Release - Annual Renewable Report 2011
A copy of the Report is available here; Annual Renewable Report 2011
07.12.11 EirGrid Seasons Greetings 2011
24.11.11 EirGrid has launched a new online auction management platform that will facilitate the purchase of interconnector capacity, as well as detail auction calendars and products. See press release. Press Release - Online Auction Platform Launched
06.11.11 A new record in the output of Ireland’s wind farms was recorded on Wednesday November 2nd. Press Release - New Wind Record for Ireland
27.10.11 EirGrid East West Interconnector - One year countdown begins for Ireland’s first electricity interconnector to Great Britain, see Marine cable laying for East West Interconnector
24.10.11 ENTSO-E Workshop Invitation
4.10.11 Off Shore Grid Study - Full Report Oct 2011
EirGrid presents the findings of its Offshore Grid Study
11.10.11 New Appointments to EirGrid Board
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte TD, has appointed four new members to the Board of EirGrid plc. New Appointments to EirGrid Board
11.10.11 East West Interconnector (EWIC) Access Rules Approval
EirGrid as owner and operator of the East West Interconnector (EWIC) is pleased to inform you that following consultation on the EWIC Access Rules, the rules have been approved by the relevant Regulatory Authorities (SEM Committee and Ofgem). The Access Rules govern the trading arrangements across EWIC between Ireland and Great Britain.
East West Interconnector Access Rules
06.10.11 ESB and EirGrid today sought the release of Ms. Teresa Treacy to facilitate an appropriate environment for further discussions to resolve matters around the construction of the Cushaling-Thornsberry 110kV Line. See ESB and EirGrid Statement
03.10.11 Winter Outlook 2011-2012
Sufficient electricity generation capacity will be in place this winter to ensure security of supply for customers in Ireland and Northern Ireland, according to a study released today by EirGrid Group.
The Winter Outlook 2011 - 2012 examines the capability of the generation portfolio available to the two grid operators, EirGrid and System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI), to meet the peak demand from customers in each jurisdiction.
It looks at the areas of capacity, generation performance and electricity demand and is based on analysis by EirGrid and SONI and on information from generating station operators.
The Report states: “The outlook for the winter period is that the generation capacity should be sufficient to ensure the appropriate level of security of supply is maintained in Ireland and Northern Ireland. EirGrid and SONI will continue to manage and monitor the system carefully and to keep all stakeholders updated.”
25.08.11 Ireland on Track To Meet Renewable Energy Targets
Ireland is on target to meet its electricity renewable targets, following the issue of grid connection offers for thousands of megawatts of wind energy, and the country is providing for levels of wind connection ahead of any similar country
EirGrid and SONI have carried out substantial analysis on the long term needs of the power system in the context of an evolving plant portfolio with significant levels of variable renewable generation. To manage this change over the coming years, a programme of work entitled the “Programme for a Secure Sustainable Power System” has been established. To ensure that the views of industry are represented through each step of this work programme, the TSOs intend to establish an Advisory Council comprised of industry stakeholders.
Expressions of interest for participation on the Advisory Council are now sought from interested parties. The deadline for applications for the Advisory Council has been extended to close of business on Friday, 16th September.
An industry forum was hosted by EirGrid and SONI in Dundalk on the 17th August to provide further information on the programme and analysis carried out. Read More
17.06.2011 EirGrid Completes Transmission Grid Connection Offer Programme
EirGrid has completed work in offering transmission grid connections to wind farms as part of 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 a total 94 offers to connect to the transmission grid was issued yesterday by EirGrid to Coillte for a 58 MW Windfarm in Sliabh Bawn, County Roscommon.
17.06.2011 North South Interconnector Consultation Extension
EirGrid is extending the period of public consultation for the North-South 400 kV Interconnection Development for a further two weeks.
01.06.2011 Minister Rabbitte endorses Grid25, Transmission Investment (Energy Ireland Conference, Croke Park)
The Government fully endorses the strategic national importance of investing in Ireland’s electricity transmission infrastructure. EirGrid’s national grid development strategy “GRID 25” is of key importance. Development of the high voltage electricity grid is critical to economic recovery, security of supply, competitiveness and the realisation of our renewable electricity targets.
To read the entire speech, click here
31.05.2011 Major Study on Offshore Energy Grid Published
EirGrid Group has today published the executive report from a pioneering study into the design and architecture of a future Offshore Energy Grid. A key finding was 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. View report here EirGrid Offshore Grid Study - Executive Report
13.05.2011 EIRGRID TO INCREASE HIGH SPEED INTERNET CAPACITY FOR IRELAND
Commercialisation of fibre optic cable in conjunction with €600m Interconnector project will provide Irish businesses with additional 7Tb/s capacity announced today. The deal will see EirGrid and Geo commercialising fibre optic cable laid with the Ireland–UK electricity Interconnector, through an exclusive arrangement to significantly increase high-speed international bandwidth for Ireland.
09.05.2011. North South Opens Consultation
EirGrid is today (May 9 2011) embarking on a fresh round of non-statutory public consultation for the North-South 400 kV Interconnection Development. This is taking place in advance of the submission of a new application for the project this year to An Bord Pleanála. EirGrid commenced a comprehensive review of the project shortly after the original application was withdrawn in June 2010. The preliminary findings of the review are published today in a Preliminary Re-Evaluation Report, which will form the basis for non-statutory consultation over the next six weeks. The Report includes a review of key project documentation, including consultants’ studies, reports and feedback from earlier public consultation - including submissions made to An Bord Pleanála - and it identifies an indicative project solution
The re-evaluation report, community brochure and map may be viewed at the North South 400 kV Interconnection Development website
14.04.2011 MAJOR REDUCTION IN COST OF DELIVERING GRID25
EirGrid today announced that its Grid25 strategy for upgrading Ireland’s electricity transmission system can be delivered at a lower cost. Speaking at the launch in Dublin of the company’s 2010 Annual Results, EirGrid Chairperson, stated that the introduction of new technology, the refining of grid projects, and the overall reduction in electricity demand, now meant that Grid25 could be delivered at a cost 20 per cent lower than previously estimated.
07.04.2011 New Record in Wind Power Output
There was a new record in terms of the output of Ireland’s wind farms on Monday morning, April 4th. The amount of power generated from wind power at 9.45am on Monday morning was 1,323 megawatts.
30.03.2011 Consultation on Grid25 Implementation Programme and accompanying SEA commences today
EirGrid is currently consulting on the Grid25 Implementation Programme and accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement (NIS).
The following five documents can be viewed for consultation:
Draft Grid25 Implementation Programme
Draft Environmental Report for Implementation Programme
Appendix I Non Technical Summary for Environmental Report
Grid25 Natura Impact Statement
Natura Impact Statement Appendix
Submissions may be made to EirGrid on or before the 29th of April 2011 by email to sea2011@eirgrid.com or by post to Grid25 SEA Consultation, EirGrid, The Oval, 160 Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. However, comments or observations which arrive after this date and before May 31 2011 will also be considered by the project team as it finalises the documents.
14.03.2011 EirGrid Chief Executive Speaks at New York Ireland Day Summit
Dermot Byrne today told a conference of top US executives that Ireland has recently established a new wind energy record, with 1,284 megawatts of wind-generated electricity exported to the national transmission system. Mr Byrne told the business leaders and investors that in terms of electricity, Ireland is very definitely open for business. He said the Irish power system delivers reliable, secure power supplies and that EirGrid is implementing “the most far-reaching redevelopment of the electricity transmission system since the foundation of the state” through its Grid25 strategy.
23.02.2011 Impact of Wind Generation on Wholesale Electricity Prices 2011
Wind generation not increasing wholesaleprices- study by EirGrid and SEAI
A new study on the Irish electricity system, published on 23 February 2011 has revealed that the growing levels of wind generation on the Irish electricity network are not adding to the wholesale price of electricity.
The report by grid operator EirGrid and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland uses detailed modelling tools to look in detail at the wholesale prices in the Irish electricity system in 2011, which has a total annual value of almost €2 billion. The analysis showed that wind generation lowers wholesale prices by over €70 million, which almost exactly offsets the costs of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy and other costs associated with the generation of wind energy. The study clearly demonstrates that wind energy is not contributing to higher wholesale electricity prices on the Irish electricity system.
Wind generators have high capital costs, but as they do not consume fuel they have no short-term costs. By displacing higher cost fossil fuel generation, wind energy tends to reduce the wholesale cost of producing electricity, the study has found. When balanced against other costs, the overall cost impact of wind is less than half of one percent, which is within the study’s margin of error.
18.02.2011 East West Interconnector Access Rules Consultation
EirGrid as owner and operator of the East West Interconnector is pleased to inform you that we are now consulting on the East West Interconnector Access Rules. The Access Rules govern the trading arrangements across the East West Interconnector between Ireland and Great Britain. We would welcome feedback on these Access Rules and also on a number of questions raised in the East West Access Rules Consultation Paper on the auction products to be offered and how the capacity on the East West Interconnector can best be utilised to the benefit of the industry and end-users. The deadline for responses to this consultation is Friday 18th March 2011.
15.12.2010 A review of recent investigations into the Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) from Power Lines by the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser stated that ‘It is simply not possible for the level of energies associated with power lines to cause cancer."
30.11.2010 Draft Transmission Development Plan 2010 is Released for Public Consultation
The draft Development Plan describes the TSO’s development planning process, it discusses the drivers and assumptions underlying the plan, and it outlines the TSO’s plans for transmission network development over the next five years (including projects under construction) and indicates where further potential development is likely to be required. We in EirGrid are now inviting comment on this draft Transmission Development Plan. We would ask that you complete your response by Friday 14th January. View Transmission Development Plan 2010 - Draft for Public Consultation
09.11.2010 THE TRANSITION TO A LOW CARBON ENERGY FURTURE - RENEWABLE ENERGY AND GRID DEVELOPMENT EVENT
This event will focus on the importance of the electricity grid as a key enabler of renewable energy integraton in Ireland and Europe. At this event, leading representatives from the European Commission, ENTSO-E, (the represenentative body for EU Transmission System Operators (TSO)) and EirGrid, Ireland’s TSO, will discuss the challenges and opportunities of building grid infrastructure, and meeting the renewable energy targets in Ireland and Europe.
02.11.2010 ENERGY KEY TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Reliable and sustainable power will be key to economic recovery in Ireland and Northern Ireland, it was stated today at the opening of the 2010 EirGrid Group Customer Conference in Co Louth.
30.09.2010 EirGrid Annual Renewable Report 2010
Ireland is playing a lead role in Europe in adding wind power and other renewables to our energy supplies, a new report stated today.
30.09.2010 Press Release: Ireland at Forefront on Renewable Energy
30.09.2010 EirGrid Launches SmartGrid iPhone App
EirGrid has launched SmartGrid, an iPhone application that allows users to browse and graphically view key energy-related data in easy and intuitive format. Click here to download the SmartGrid App
14.09.10 Ratoath to Host All Ireland Intermediate Football 7 a-side competition
13.09.10 Winter Outlook Report 2010
EirGrid and SONI have published the Winter Outlook Report dealing with demand and capacity to March 2011.
13.08.10 EirGrid Responds to Rush Community Council
EirGrid has responded to concerns of Rush Community Council concerning the East West Interconnector.
28.07.10 EirGrid Website Shows Daily CO2 Figures
Irish electricity consumers can now for the first time view live information on the amount of CO2 being produced during the generation of power nationally click here...
29.06.10 EirGrid Withdraws Planning Application
EirGrid has today written to An Bord Pleanála to notify it of the withdrawal of its application for the Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnection Development, following an issue which arose at the planning hearing last week in relation to the public notice for the development. EirGrid will submit a new application in respect of this development in the near future.
17.06.10 Statistics on Electricity Consumption and Generation
Information on demand and generation dating to the 1990s click here...
15.06.10 EirGrid Public Information Day in Rush Next Thursday 17th June
EirGrid will hold an information day in Rush National School next Thursday (17th June, 4-9pm).
11.06.10 Operational Studies On Renewable Power Future Published By EirGrid
A number of studies published today contain new information which will assist in developing operational strategies to increase the amount of wind generation connected to the power systems of Ireland and Northern Ireland read more...
Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Oral Hearing Witness Statements
EirGrid has published the Witness Statements that have been presented to An Bord Pleanála at the Oral Hearing click here...
10.05.10 Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnector Will Bring Benefits to Ireland
Delivery of the proposed Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnection Development will bring a range of benefits to Ireland, the Oral Hearing into the Development heard today.
22.04.10 Upgrade to National Grid to Create Up To 300 Jobs Over Five Years
EirGrid’s strategy for Ireland’s future electricity transmission network is to create up to 300 additional jobs over the next five years, EirGrid Chairperson Bernie Gray said today at the launch of the company’s Annual Report. The 2009 Annual Report details a number of significant milestones for EirGrid, to review the report click here...
Low Carbon Generation Options for the All-Island Market
Read more about this report commissioned EirGrid and prepared by Pöyry Energy Consulting.
29.01.10 EirGrid Publishes Wind Farm Connections Report
A key indication of how Ireland will meet its renewable energy targets is revealed today with the publication of the levels of access available on the electricity transmission grid for wind farm connections up to 2023.
18.12.09 Meath Tyrone 400 kV Planning Application
EirGrid today submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act for the Meath-Tyrone 400kV Interconnection Development.
18.12.09 Ireland Takes Significant Step towards Renewable Energy Targets
A key indication of how Ireland will meet its renewable target of 40% was provided today with the publication of levels of wind connection onto the electricity grid up to 2017.
Generation Adequacy Report 2010-2016
The latest Generation Adequacy Report 2010-2016 has been published. The adequacy position is strongly positive for the next seven years. A surplus of at least 700 MW is observed for all scenarios studied for the seven year period.
10.11.09 Further Interconnection with Britain is Economically Attractive
Further electricity interconnection between Ireland and Britain is economically attractive, according to a new report from EirGrid that examines the possibility of further interconnection between the island of Ireland and Great Britain or France.
28.09.09 EIB to invest up to €300 Million in EirGrid East West Interconnector
The EirGrid Ireland Wales electricity link has been granted a loan of up to €300 million from the European Investment Bank today.
Planning Permission Granted for Ireland Wales Electricity Link
An Bord Pleanala has granted EirGrid permission to build the 500 MW electricity Interconnector between Ireland and Wales.
Press Release for ABP Planning Approval WELSH
An Bord Pleanala has granted EirGrid permission to build the 500 MW electricity Interconnector between Ireland and Wales (in Welsh).
The Development of an East West Electricity Interconnector
This document outlines the business case and main benefits of developing an electricity interconnector.
30.04.09 EirGrid Investment to Help Underpin Economic Recovery
EirGrid Annual Report News Release 30 April 2009.
29.03.09 EirGrid Awards Contract for East-West Interconnector
Swedish Engineering firm ABB has been awarded the contract to design, manufacture and install EirGrid’s East West Electricity Interconnector.
18.11.08 East West Interconnector Planning Application
EirGrid has submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála relating to the proposed development of the East West Interconnector. Further information at www.eirgrideastwestinterconnector.ie.
Additional Information
- Annual Reports are available at our Publications section.
- Power Line Projects
Provide feedback or receive information at following links:
Cavan-Tyrone | Donegal 110kV | East-West | Meath-Cavan - System Performance Data
Availabilty Reports | Electricity Statistics - GRID25
A Strategy for the Development of Ireland's Electricity Grid for a Sustainable