This project aims to add capacity to the electricity grid in County Londonerry.
This project aims to add capacity to the electricity grid in County Londonerry. Doing so will improve the security of your energy supply. It will also allow us to connect new sources of renewable energy generation to the grid.
We have already planned a cluster substation near Rasharkin, county Antrim. This project aims to develop a new 110 kV overhead line. It will bring renewably generated electricity from a wind farm in Brockaghboy to the Rasharkin substation. From there, this renewable energy can flow across the grid to all electricity users in Northern Ireland.
To achieve this goal, we need to develop approximately 20 km of 110 kV overhead transmission line. This proposed line will start at Brockaghboy in County Londonderry, and end at Rasharkin in County Antrim.
Northern Ireland has signed up to an EU mandated target to generate electricity from 40% renewable sources by 2020. As a result, there is a significant amount of proposed renewable generation planned for Northern Ireland. The energy generated by these proposed wind farms will exceed the capacity of the existing electricity grid. This project will allow the region to harness renewable energy, and will also improve the security of our energy supply.
As the operator of the electricity system, we connect sources of energy generation to the electricity network. The proposed wind farm in Brockaghboy, south west of Garvagh, has already obtained planning approval. When this happens, we must offer them a connection to the electricity grid. Then, if they accept our connection offer, we have to ensure the local network can meet their needs. This is in response to European, United Kingdom and Local Government legislation. This means we are legally required to develop the grid in response to new plans for new electricity generation, such as wind farms.
This project will support growth and development in the region and ensure the security of our energy supply for the future. A strong electricity network will help existing industry in Northern Ireland. This is particularly the case when competing for business and inward development to the region.
The new connection will also allow the area to utilise its rich renewable energy resources. The development of the renewable energy sector is an important element in driving future job creation. It is also a key step to meet mandatory EU targets that will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.