Evolution of Shaping Our Electricity Future (SOEF)
The SOEF roadmap is an ongoing transformative journey approach. It steers our energy landscape towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
How SOEF has evolved
Starting over a decade ago with the DS3 Programme, SOEF is an ongoing evolution. It reflects our commitment to progress and collaborate across industry, government, and citizens. Together we can move towards a greener power system.
Delivering a secure, sustainable electricity system (DS3)
The DS3 programme was EirGrid and SONI's joint response to national and European renewable energy targets. DS3 aimed to increase the amount of renewable energy on our power system. Northern Ireland had a target to achieve 40% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020.
Over the decade, we delivered on our targets. By 2018, the DS3 programme had already helped improve the penetration of renewable generation on the island of Ireland. We increased instant levels of renewable generation on the system from 50% to 65%. This was a world first.
In 2021 we increased this further to 70% and in March 2022 we reached the DS3 goal of 75%. This milestone was ten years in the making.
For more on DS3, read our information brochure.
Shaping Our Electricity Future 1.0 (SOEF)
New renewable targets were set out by governments for the year 2030. We considered these in developing SOEF 1.0. This document, published in November 2021, outlined a roadmap towards delivering at least 70% of electricity from renewable generation sources by 2030 in both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
We considered:
- Impacts of ageing infrastructure
- Retirement and displacement of fossil fuel generators
- Increased renewable energy supply and storage
- Higher demand from large energy users and distribution connected customers
- Social impacts of electricity infrastructure
- Net zero targets for 2050
- Changes in consumer preferences, behaviours and expectations of their electricity supply
Taking into account several scenarios, the roadmap encapsulated a whole of system approach. Download the roadmap to learn more.
Shaping Our Electricity Future 1.1
Since the launch of SOEF 1.0, there have been significant developments to electricity policy. The targets for 2030 now aim for delivering at least 80% of electricity from renewable generation sources in both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Given these changing targets, we updated the SOEF roadmap, publishing SOEF version 1.1 in 2023. It outlines a pathway towards meeting the enhanced electricity ambitions. We aim to balance core factors, including:
- Technical considerations
- Cost implications
- Environmental impacts
- Social acceptance
- Deliverability
It also provides a foundation to support the broader transition to net zero by 2050.
Looking beyond 2030
2030 is a milestone on the ultimate journey to a net zero energy system. We are developing the next iteration of Tomorrows Energy Scenarios. This considers credible pathways for the evolution of the power system from 2035 out to 2050. We'll continue to evolve our plans to ensure safe, secure electricity for all.
SOEF and DS3 consultations
Delve into consultations and publications on the SOEF and DS3 programmes.