The proposed North-South Interconnector is crucial for the security of Ireland’s energy infrastructure, but constraints and delays are having a knock-on effect on consumers with costs having increased from €331m in 2021/22 to €835m for 2022/23.
The costs for consumers were outlined in the Single Electricity Market Committee’s Constraints Costs and Reforecasts Report, which was published in September 2022 by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
The so-called market imperfection/constraint costs arise from frequent constraints on the use of the cheapest and cleanest sources of electricity generation in the system, in order to maintain a stable grid.
Lack of low-carbon sources of system stabilisation
These operational constraints are due to a number of factors, specifically including the absence of the North-South Interconnector, but also issues such as the lack of low-carbon sources of system stabilisation (inertia).
Engineers Ireland’s latest report Powering Ireland: An Electrical Energy Review, has highlighted the ongoing energy trilemma which Ireland faces, relating to the need to keep energy supplies secure and affordable while increasing sustainable energy production.
Within the report, the professional membership body has put forward recommendations to increase sustainability in electricity production, and electricity infrastructure while focusing on security of supply and affordability to meet Ireland’s current and future needs.
John Power, president, Engineers Ireland said: “Ireland needs to move from our current situation of being heavily dependent on imported energy to becoming much more self-sufficient, with the ultimate aim of becoming a net exporter of energy.
Diverse portfolio of green energy zero-carbon sources
“We must identify our electrical energy requirements for 2050 and develop a diverse portfolio of green energy zero-carbon sources, a broad collection of interconnections with neighbouring countries, and a robust and flexible electrical energy grid.
"We should also look beyond our island to the possibility of us playing a part within a European supergrid and becoming a net exporter of sustainable energy. Delivering on these ambitions will require a combination of technical expertise, planning and political determination.”
One of the key recommendations relating to energy infrastructure outlined in the report, is to prioritise completing the North-South Interconnector project and other outstanding grid development projects.
"Historically, Ireland has a low-level electrical grid which is no longer fit for purpose as the demand for electrical energy has increased. Additional high-level infrastructure is required, however planning delays, as well as public and political challenges have impeded the development of this critical energy infrastructure.
“Ireland’s economy depends on energy infrastructure which is secure and reliable and that will meet current and future needs. Engineers in Ireland need public and political support to develop suitable infrastructure and energy sources.
“By 2040, there will be approximately one million additional people living in Ireland, therefore, delivery of island-wide infrastructure should be a strategic priority. I welcome the recent package of actions brought forward by public expenditure minister Paschal Donohoe TD, which will expedite infrastructure projects and reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects.
"We in Engineers Ireland and our community of member engineers, also look forward to supporting the minister in delivery of the National Development Plan which will benefit the Irish population for years to come.”
Among the recommendations highlighted in the report include (summary):
Supply of electricity
- Identification of Ireland’s electrical requirements for 2050. Development of a system looking at a diverse portfolio of green energy zero carbon resources, a broad collection of interconnections and a robust and flexible electrical energy grid.
- Retrofitting of thermal generation power stations to burn green fuels such as green hydrogen or biomass to become carbon-neutral plants.
- A rapid scale-up in green hydrogen production and its use is required to support electrical generation.
- Acceleration of the route to market for innovative energy solutions such as offshore wind, supported by government policy centering on procurement, planning and execution.
- Consideration to be given to remove the current statutory barriers to domestic nuclear power deployment – including reviewing the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, to allow for a discussion on the topic. This would allow for a more informed process on the potential for nuclear in the future of Ireland’s electrical energy supply.
Energy infrastructure
- Prioritise completing the North-South Interconnector project and other outstanding grid development projects.
- Consideration for the use of hybrid grid connections. These connections allow the synergy of conventional energy generation and new renewable energy.
- Request for support for the provision of an LNG (liquified natural gas) and regasification units as part of the near to medium-term solution to providing energy security for Ireland to prevent possible future disruptions to gas supply.
- Support for industry to ensure gas storage is available in the near term and is prepared to align with Ireland’s hydrogen strategy.
- Development of additional deep-water ports to support supply chain requirements and assembly of offshore wind projects.
“We have a very real opportunity to make a turning point towards a cleaner, domestic, more affordable and more secure energy system," said Power. "With the recommendations outlined in this report, coupled with government, stakeholder and public support, we can develop a robust, secure and economically viable energy infrastructure to support this and future generations.”
The Powering Ireland: An Electrical Energy Review report aims to contribute to the discussion on Ireland’s energy future. To read the report in detail, visit: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/News-Insights/Campaigns-and-policies/Reports