SONI welcomes Economy Committee to its Headquarters to discuss energy transition

The NI Assembly Committee for the Economy visits SONI HQ to meet leadership team and see Control Room in action 

Today, SONI, the independent electricity Transmission System Operator for Northern Ireland, welcomed the Committee for the Economy to its Headquarters in Belfast. 

The visit provided an opportunity for committee members to hear directly from SONI’s power system experts about what is required to deliver the transition to a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy future, underpinned by Northern Ireland’s Energy Strategy targets and net zero ambitions. 

Members were also taken on a tour of SONI’s control centre to see at first-hand the challenges that come with managing a power system in transition. 

SONI’s Executive Leadership team outlined to the Committee its plans to decarbonise the electricity grid while maintaining the safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to homes, farms, businesses, and public services across Northern Ireland. 

The briefing provided an overview of the key contributions SONI is making to accelerate the energy transition in the time ahead. This includes delivery of new strategic infrastructure such as the North South Interconnector and Mid Antrim upgrade, as well as the introduction of innovative solutions in the 24/7 control centre systems to increase the use of renewable energy on the grid. 

During the visit SONI and the Committee also discussed the levers government can use to help accelerate progress towards Northern Ireland’s collective energy and climate change targets. This includes the development of a NI strategic spatial plan, moving to a more plan-led approach for electricity transmission infrastructure, supporting development of a community benefit model for host communities and leading a campaign to increase public awareness and acceptance of critical infrastructure.

SONI Chief Executive Alan Campbell commented:

“Electricity systems across the world are changing. Our teams of expert engineers have the task of transforming the electricity grid to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and support Northern Ireland’s collective clean energy and climate action goals. 

“We recognise that meeting a challenge at this scale requires a change of approach, not just here at SONI, but more broadly across industry, civic society and at all levels of government, and in the regulatory landscape. That is why building on the trust that we have with our partners and stakeholders is a priority for us.

“Engagements like todays with the Economy Committee are a crucial part of ensuring elected representatives are kept informed on the key issues relating to the energy transition. Northern Ireland consumers and businesses are at the heart of the energy transition. Close collaboration between SONI and policymakers is key to delivering a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy future for everyone in NI and for generations to come.”

Speaking after the visit, Chairperson of the Economy Committee, Phillip Brett MLA had this to say: 

“The Committee’s visit to SONI was useful in that we heard first-hand about what is needed for the transition towards cleaner, more efficient energy provision. Our role as a Committee is to scrutinise legislation and the work of the Department, and that involves ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland can access a safe, reliable and affordable service from energy providers.”

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