SONI has announced that despite risk of tighter electricity buffer margins there will be sufficient electricity generation this winter in normal operating conditions.
The electricity system transmission operator for Northern Ireland published the information in its Winter Outlook which is based on detailed research and analysis by SONI's engineers.
The report indicates that electricity generation may be together at times and Northern Ireland may be more reliant on imports and renewable generation.
The Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE) in Northern Ireland for the five months of the Winter period has increased from 1.5 hours last Winter to 1.95 hours. This remains within the level of risk of 4.9 hours that is set by the Department for the Economy.
At times of low wind and low interconnector imports there is a risk that the system could enter the Alert State, but the risk of the system entering the Emergency State is low. A System Alert has no immediate impact for users of electricity.
Managing Director of SONI, Alan Campbell, said: "At SONI, we plan and operate the Northern Ireland Electricity Transmission System, or the electricity 'Grid' as it is better known, 365 days a year. Due to their complex nature, there are challenges in managing all electricity systems and Northern Ireland is no different. Our expert engineers are highly trained to manage the risks associated with balancing supply and demand, ensuring electricity gets from where it is generated to where it is needed.
"Every year, we publish our Winter Outlook to help the industry, businesses and consumers across Northern Ireland prepare for the months ahead. Typically, due to our climate, we see demand increase at 'peak times' during the colder weather and darker nights and there is always some risk of potential disruption to electricity supply.
"It is important to be clear that whilst there is a small increase in risk this year due to tightening of electricity buffer margins, we do expect that there will be sufficient electricity generation to meet demand in normal operating conditions. Whilst a reduction in conventional generation capacity could pose a challenge, we are well placed to manage this risk.
"We are cautiously optimistic about the outlook as our detailed analysis shows that we have sufficient generation to meet demand this winter. SONI has robust contingency plans in place to manage the challenges that may arise as a result of tight generation margins including importing from Great Britain and Ireland, utilising Open Cycle Gas Turbines and batteries and accelerating the onboarding of new, cleaner conventional generation."
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CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Construction News
16/10/2023
SONI Expects Sufficient Electricity Generation This Winter
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