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Demonstration Projects

Demonstration Projects

The power system of Ireland and Northern Ireland is changing. The combined system will have more wind farms installed and operated as a percentage of the overall annual energy requirement by 2020 than anywhere else in the world. This is driving major changes in not only the need for appropriate infrastructure but also in the behaviour of the power system over a wide range of operational metrics. This requires a fundamental understanding of the needs of the power system, the implementation of appropriate new system operational policies and tools, and the evolution of the necessary complementary conventional portfolio capability and infrastructure.

In the development, trialling and proving of new concepts/solutions and technologies EirGrid and SONI recognise that demonstration projects can play an important role. In that context, a transparent process has been developed for progressing demonstration projects and the system operators are seeking expressions of interest from those who would like to be involved in a demonstration project.  EirGrid and SONI also view this as an important mechanism to promote and support innovation in new grid applications across the Smart Grid domain.

Objectives of System Operators

The system operators, having a unique role in the electricity industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland, are interested in offering their experience and knowledge to partner with industry in the development of new ideas and use of new technologies on the power system. The system operators are interested in becoming involved in projects that will provide demonstrations of specific technologies in an Irish power system context.

The drivers for becoming involved in these projects include realising potential cost benefits to end customers, enhancing security of supply, promoting sustainability and the opportunity to share knowledge and learning.

Areas of Interest

Smart Grid concepts are the key area of interest for the System Operators in terms of demonstration projects.  This could include, for example -

  • Demand side management concepts
  • System Operation including advanced voltage control at transmission level
  • System Services e.g. reserve provision
  • Transmission technology types e.g. dynamic line rating

Criteria for Engagement on Projects

The criteria for project selection will include the following:

  • Extent to which the project fits within the areas of interest
  • Extent to which it can reduce costs and/or prices for end customers
  • The benefits of the project against the three pillars of energy policy; increased sustainability, economic competitiveness and energy security
  • Role in the project, and the expertise that can be provided by the system operators
  • The extent to which a partnership with the system operators will reduce the risk profile of the project
  • Extent to which multiple parties are involved and knowledge and learning can be stimulated and shared with the industry at large

Next Steps

If you are interested in being involved in a demonstration project, please complete this Initial Assessment Form  and return it to EirGrid or SONI at demos@eirgrid.com or demos@soni.ltd.uk

Alternatively, please contact Customer Relations at:  +353 (0)1 702 6642

A clear definition of the work to be carried out and a well defined programme of work should be included as part of the submission.

All parties will be required to enter into a set of standard agreements with the system operators. These would include a joint development agreement, a key term of which would be a requirement that all results generated from the demonstration project will be made public.

In terms of the system operators’ contribution, it is envisaged that this could include expertise, facilities and access to data that the system operators can provide. However, this contribution will be tailored to the specifics of the particular demonstration project in question.

Following a review of an application, EirGrid and SONI will contact the applicants directly to obtain further information/detail on the proposals and discuss the next steps. 

This is an open call, there is no closing date.

A printable version of this notice is available here.

 

30.10.12 EirGrid and SONI have announced Smart Grid concepts which will commence testing on the island’s power systems. EirGrid Group Selects Smart Grid Demonstration Projects