Northern Ireland on course to meet Renewable Energy Sources for Electricity Target

NIE Networks, which has played a critical role in meeting theRES-E target by providing the connections for the renewable sources, is also forecasting an estimated 110,000electric vehicles and more than 50,000 heat pumps will connect to the distribution network here by 2030.

Launching the company’s presence at this year’s BalmoralShow, Paul Stapleton, ManagingDirector for NIE Networks, noted that the target would not have been achievable without the invaluable support of agricultural and rural based customers.

“Carbon reduction targets,renewable energy, electricvehicles and heat pumps areplacing new and increaseddemands on our networkso at such a critical time forthe energy industry it is veryencouraging that we are oncourse to meet the RES-E target.

“Meeting the target wouldn’t have been possible though without the partnership of our customers, particularly those in the agricultural industry.Our statistics indicate that our rural based customers here are generating the equivalent of a large power station worth of renewable energy which is a remarkable contribution.”

Climate change legislation has created significant growth in Low Carbon Technologies and in turn major change is required in how the electricity industry manages and operates the network.

Currently operating as a Distribution Network Operator NIE Networks is responsible for the distribution of electricity from the transmission grid to homes, businesses and farms. However, the network, which was designed to facilitate the flow of electrical energy towards the customer, is now experiencing significant energy flows in the opposite direction.

Consequently the company is set to evolve into a Distribution System Operator facilitating a low carbon future for Northern Ireland and placing downward pressure on electricity bills. Paul Stapleton, continued; “We still have work to do and our Innovation Strategy is about meeting the low-carbon future challenge head on by seeking to provide, faster, cheaper and smarter connection solutions.

“We want to hear from our stakeholders and customers on exactly how our future model and operating structures will evolve and so we are seeking their views through our current consultation which remains open until 20th May. “Critically these changes will incentivise customers to manage their demand and bring new opportunities by facilitating those who want to be prosumers - customers who wish to consume, produce and be flexible with their energy.”