The Smart Grid is a nationwide network that
uses information technology to deliver electricity
efficiently, reliably and securely.
As the electricity transmission system operator,
EirGrid is also playing a leading role in the
development of the Smart Grid. Ireland’s
transmission network is ranked as one of the most
advanced systems in the world; however it will have
to become smarter and more adaptable to deliver on
the coming challenges.
It represents a major step forward from a legacy
system of disconnected power suppliers to a twoway, digital, interoperable national network. And
it is a more efficient way to distribute and diversify
Ireland’s power sources, including environmentally
friendly ones like wind and solar.
EirGrid has completed a study to examine the
potential impact of high instantaneous shares of
wind power within the island’s electricity system.
This is one of the first studies to significantly
model grid behaviour at very high levels of wind
penetration.
Quite simply, the Smart Grid will fundamentally
change the way we generate, distribute and use
electricity.
Crucially, the research shows that with a combined
installed capacity of just over 6,000 megawatts, the
all-island system can reach the 40% target.
Because the Smart Grid will touch so many aspects
of life in the 21st century, it involves a wide range
of stakeholders - national and international, private
and public, large and small. They include electricity
generators, distributors and suppliers; appliance and
consumer electronics providers; the Government
and regulators.
EirGrid has also begun work on Grid25, a major
investment programme aimed at upgrading the
transmission network.
smart operational strategies to meet this challenge,
which in turn will form a key component in the
evolution of Ireland’s Smart Grid.
A new, independent organisation,
SmartGridIreland, has been established to exploit
new commercial opportunities in the Smart Grid
sector locally, nationally and internationally.
SmartGridIreland is a network of organisations
across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
- drawn from industry, research bodies, universities
and government agencies.
Other EirGrid initiatives include the deployment
of a Wind Security Assessment Tool to help grid
controllers manage the increasing level of wind
generation in real time.
EirGrid is a key partner in an EU project to develop
Anemos, a next generation wind forecasting system.
A key part of the Anemos system is the use of highresolution meteorological forecasts and the software
is currently being trialed in Ireland.
87