Written answers

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Infrastructure

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

506. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the support for the roll-out of Eirgrid's policy for the south-east region Grid Link project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16969/16]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

EirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, the Government does not seek to direct EirGrid in the development of energy infrastructure to particular sites or routes or technologies. The Grid Link project was originally proposed as a new 400kV overhead line from Knockraha (near Cork City) to Great Island (near Waterford City) and on to Dunstown (near Naas). The March 2015 EirGrid strategy "Your Grid, Your Views, Your Tomorrow”, confirmed the need for the Grid Link project, but due to changing demand forecasts, upgrades to existing lines and advances in technology made new options possible. 

EirGrid examined various technical solutions and in October 2015 announced that it intended to move forward with the Grid Link project using the Regional Option.  The Regional Option uses series compensation which is an advanced, smart grid technology that will enable more power to flow through existing lines.

This means there is now no requirement to proceed with the previously proposed Grid Link 400 kV overhead line.

To complete the Grid Link project using the Regional Solution, an underwater cable across the Shannon estuary is required in addition to some upgrade works to existing transmission lines.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.