EirGrid

Network infrastructure

How we can reinforce our network to prepare for a renewable energy future.

Reinforcing the network

Between now and 2030, we need to significantly increase the electricity from renewable sources in our network. Over 350 projects are needed to reinforce the all-island transmission system and facilitate new connections. This represents an investment of over £2.5bn in the Northern Ireland and Ireland grid.

Shaping Our Electricity Future is our roadmap to achieve this. The networks strand describes how the transmission network could evolve out to 2030. It builds on consultation with government, regulators, industry, stakeholders and the general public.

The future evolution of the power system beyond 2030 is also implicitly considered. For the future, the renewable ambition is to be net zero by 2050.

Transmission Development Plan for Northern Ireland (TDPNI)

The TDPNI details projects to meet the operational needs of the transmission network in Northern Ireland.

Network Delivery Portfolio (NDP)

The NDP lists the full programme of works planned on the transmission system in Ireland between 2022 and 2030.

Network enablers

There are several strategic enablers which are fundamental for effective infrastructure delivery. These are based on our project delivery experience across infrastructure sectors. They follow engagement with stakeholders and communities.

  • Government and regulatory policy to support locating generation and large energy users where grid capacity is available / anticipated in the future
  • Timely planning decision by the consenting authorities
  • Supply chain challenges to resolved by appropriate 3rd party
  • Implementation of an end–end TSO/TAO joint approach to optimise
  • Programme delivery time of electricity infrastructure
  • Implementing a transmission outage review and transformation programme
  • Deliver an electricity grid technology toolbox for enhanced network operation
  • Plan to implement flexible network devices
  • Leverage the public road network to deliver infrastructure

SOEF roadmap

Find more details on the network strategy in our roadmap document.