SONI Drives Grid Innovation to Unlock More Renewable Energy Across Northern Ireland

Advancements in technology are helping to accelerate progress 

Northern Ireland’s electricity system has reached a key milestone that will help to make better use of local renewable energy, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and improve our energy security. 

SONI, the System Operator for Northern Ireland, has delivered a series of technological and operational advancements that are helping to future proof the electricity grid. 

The changes are part of a large programme of works to help strengthen Northern Ireland’s electricity grid and enable it to utilise higher percentages of electricity coming from wind and solar. 

Historically, Northern Ireland required at least three large conventional natural gas-fired power stations to be running at all times to keep the electricity system stable. These power stations provided essential support to manage sudden disturbances and maintain electricity system stability.

As the power system has evolved and increasing levels of renewable generation and new technologies have been connected, this requirement has increasingly constrained flexibility and reduced efficiency. 

At the same time, improvements in system monitoring tools, control room visibility and new technologies connecting to the system have created an opportunity to review how the system is operated and delivers greater benefits for consumers.

Following detailed engineering analysis and a carefully controlled operational trial, SONI has now demonstrated that the electricity system can operate securely with two large conventional generators online under defined conditions. This innovation enables more renewable electricity to be supplied by the grid to homes and businesses while maintaining the high standards of system security required.

This change is already delivering tangible benefits, including increased utilisation of renewable generation, reduced wind constraints and greater operational flexibility across the Northern Ireland electricity system, which all helps to put downward pressure on costs for consumers.

Chief Executive of SONI, Alan Campbell said:

“This is a significant step forward for Northern Ireland’s electricity system. By carefully reducing the minimum number of conventional generators required, we can safely accommodate more renewable energy flowing to homes and business. This will help to put downward pressure on costs for consumers and enable us to operate the system more efficiently — all while maintaining the high standards of stability and reliability that customers expect.

“It will reduce carbon emissions and create more opportunity for renewable generators to meet power needs. Making fuller use of renewable power delivers real benefits for consumers. It is one of several transformative actions SONI is taking to help put downward pressure on energy costs and strengthen protection for Northern Ireland consumers against volatile global energy prices.”

He continues: “At SONI, we are focused on delivering innovative solutions to support Northern Ireland in meeting its collective energy targets. Alongside this milestone, we have introduced new tools in our grid control room to make better use of renewable energy and large‑scale battery storage on the system. We’ve also awarded two new contracts for synchronous condensers which will allow the use of more renewable energy, with a second round of procurement imminent. 

“Delivering benefits for Northern Ireland consumers is at the heart of what we do in SONI. By developing and implementing these innovative solutions, we are helping to deliver a cleaner, more affordable and secure energy future for everyone in Northern Ireland.” 

For more information, please visit www.soni.ltd.uk 

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