The Grid West project is a significant addition to the electricity grid. We developed this in response to growing plans in the North West for renewable energy generation.
The Grid West project is a significant addition to the electricity grid. We developed this in response to growing plans in the North West for renewable energy generation. This project is also an opportunity to attract industries with a high-demand for electricity to this region.
We originally proposed an overhead line as our initial solution for this project. However, we recently published a report to the Independent Expert Panel with three options for delivering this project. They are an underground cable option, and overhead line option, and a third option that combines both technologies.
There are two main reasons why this project is necessary: To connect renewable energy, and to help job creation and investment.
The EU has set a target for Ireland to generate 40% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2020. This includes wind, wave and tidal power. There are many plans in this region for new forms of renewable energy generation. This is because the North West region is particularly well suited to renewable electricity generation. There is immediate capacity for wind and ocean generation, and potential for biomass.
However, our existing infrastructure in the region is not fit to bring renewable power to the rest of the country. The exact plans for renewable energy generation in this region are still subject to planning, and may change. But at present, there could be up to 650 MW of renewable power generated in this region. This is many multiples above the 200 MW that the existing electricity transmission infrastructure can carry.
Finally, it's important to note EirGrid's legal obligation to connect electricity generators. As the national electricity transmission system operator for Ireland, we have a statutory function. Subject to direction from the regulator, this statute requires us to offer a connection to the grid for those who request it. When an electricity generator accepts our connection offer, we have to meet their needs. This means we are legally required to develop the grid in response to plans for new electricity generation, such as wind farms.
This infrastructure will also enable the region to attract industry that needs secure, high-voltage power. By connecting renewable energy from the North West to the grid, this project will aid job creation and investment in a number of ways: