08/04/2022
Third Of NI Power Comes From Renewable Sources
Up to three quarters of the electricity in the electricity grid can now come from variable renewable sources following the completion of a ground-breaking project by grid operator SONI.
The power system is the first in the world to reach this level, overcoming major technical challenges associated with integrating electricity from wind farms, solar farms and interconnectors that link it with other countries.
A previous cap of 70% on the amount of variable renewable generation on the grid at a given time has now been raised to 75% following a successful 11-month trial by SONI. This is an important step and will support the delivery of the Northern Ireland Executive's ambitious renewable energy target aimed at lowering NI's carbon emissions.
The grid successfully ran at between 70% and 75% variable renewable energy for a total of 232 hours throughout the trial period. During the 11 months, several new renewable energy records have been set. This includes the current wind generation record, set on 5th of February, when Storm Corrie provided high winds leading to record wind power of 1059 megawatts (MW), enough to satisfy all demand at the time with excess exported to GB via the Moyle Interconnector.
Wind, solar and interconnectors have very different technical characteristics to conventional fossil-fuel powered generation. This creates challenges in maintaining the stability and security of the power system. To keep the system secure SONI has to limit the amount of variable renewables on the grid, but the grid operator is overcoming these challenges to place Northern Ireland as a global leader in renewable energy integration.
Alan Campbell, Managing Director of SONI said: "We are very proud of the pivotal role we have played in delivering pioneering levels of electricity from renewable sources. This milestone marks the culmination of an 11-year programme of collaboration right across the energy industry on the island.
"It is a critical step in Northern Ireland's pathway to net zero and is a key part of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile global energy prices."
Since the inception of the programme in 2011, SONI has increased the limit on the amount of electricity from renewables from 50% to 75% in a series of five steps. Work will now begin on increasing the figure to 95% by 2030 in order to support delivery of the Northern Ireland Executive's renewable energy targets.
This will be achieved through SONI's Shaping Our Electricity Future programme of work; driving the evolution of the Northern Ireland grid, system operations and electricity markets to make Northern Ireland's clean energy future a reality.
The power system is the first in the world to reach this level, overcoming major technical challenges associated with integrating electricity from wind farms, solar farms and interconnectors that link it with other countries.
A previous cap of 70% on the amount of variable renewable generation on the grid at a given time has now been raised to 75% following a successful 11-month trial by SONI. This is an important step and will support the delivery of the Northern Ireland Executive's ambitious renewable energy target aimed at lowering NI's carbon emissions.
The grid successfully ran at between 70% and 75% variable renewable energy for a total of 232 hours throughout the trial period. During the 11 months, several new renewable energy records have been set. This includes the current wind generation record, set on 5th of February, when Storm Corrie provided high winds leading to record wind power of 1059 megawatts (MW), enough to satisfy all demand at the time with excess exported to GB via the Moyle Interconnector.
Wind, solar and interconnectors have very different technical characteristics to conventional fossil-fuel powered generation. This creates challenges in maintaining the stability and security of the power system. To keep the system secure SONI has to limit the amount of variable renewables on the grid, but the grid operator is overcoming these challenges to place Northern Ireland as a global leader in renewable energy integration.
Alan Campbell, Managing Director of SONI said: "We are very proud of the pivotal role we have played in delivering pioneering levels of electricity from renewable sources. This milestone marks the culmination of an 11-year programme of collaboration right across the energy industry on the island.
"It is a critical step in Northern Ireland's pathway to net zero and is a key part of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile global energy prices."
Since the inception of the programme in 2011, SONI has increased the limit on the amount of electricity from renewables from 50% to 75% in a series of five steps. Work will now begin on increasing the figure to 95% by 2030 in order to support delivery of the Northern Ireland Executive's renewable energy targets.
This will be achieved through SONI's Shaping Our Electricity Future programme of work; driving the evolution of the Northern Ireland grid, system operations and electricity markets to make Northern Ireland's clean energy future a reality.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 December 2024
£823,000 Boost For Northern Ireland Musicians
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a significant funding boost for musicians and music groups across Northern Ireland. A total of £823,000 has been awarded to 119 individuals, bands, and professional and non-professional performing groups through the Musical Instruments Scheme, administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
£823,000 Boost For Northern Ireland Musicians
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a significant funding boost for musicians and music groups across Northern Ireland. A total of £823,000 has been awarded to 119 individuals, bands, and professional and non-professional performing groups through the Musical Instruments Scheme, administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
13 December 2024
Ban On Single-Use Vapes Coming To Northern Ireland
A ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes will come into effect in Northern Ireland on 1 June 2025. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir announced the decision, aligning with similar bans in Scotland, Wales, and England. The move aims to address the environmental impact of single-use vapes, which are often discarded and contribute to litter.
Ban On Single-Use Vapes Coming To Northern Ireland
A ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes will come into effect in Northern Ireland on 1 June 2025. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir announced the decision, aligning with similar bans in Scotland, Wales, and England. The move aims to address the environmental impact of single-use vapes, which are often discarded and contribute to litter.
13 December 2024
Tougher Animal Welfare Laws Planned For Northern Ireland
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has outlined plans for significant animal welfare reforms in Northern Ireland. Key proposals include introducing a version of Lucy's Law to ban the third-party sale of puppies and kittens, outlawing the use of shock collars, and mandating microchipping for cats.
Tougher Animal Welfare Laws Planned For Northern Ireland
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has outlined plans for significant animal welfare reforms in Northern Ireland. Key proposals include introducing a version of Lucy's Law to ban the third-party sale of puppies and kittens, outlawing the use of shock collars, and mandating microchipping for cats.
12 December 2024
Major New Clinical Research Centre To Be Established In NI
A new Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) is to be established with an investment of £12.6 million announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.
Major New Clinical Research Centre To Be Established In NI
A new Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) is to be established with an investment of £12.6 million announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.
11 December 2024
Half Of NI Farms Could Be Hit by Inheritance Tax Changes
A significant number of Northern Ireland farms could be affected by upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has warned that approximately half of all farms, covering 80% of farmed land, may face increased tax burdens.
Half Of NI Farms Could Be Hit by Inheritance Tax Changes
A significant number of Northern Ireland farms could be affected by upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has warned that approximately half of all farms, covering 80% of farmed land, may face increased tax burdens.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A largely cloudy day with occasional rain. Turning drier and brighter for a time in the afternoon and feeling very mild. Light southerly winds becoming strong with gales later along the County Down coast. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these heavy at times. Strong southerly winds, with gales in the evening across eastern counties, becoming westerly later. Minimum temperature 8 °C.