EIRGRID PARTNERS WITH SMART WIRES ON GROUNDBREAKING GRID PROJECT
EirGrid is partnering with power technology firm Smart Wire Grid Europe (‘Smart Wires’), and the research and development consortium Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) on a groundbreaking project aimed at boosting the flow of renewable energy on the electricity grid. This project is being supported with a financial contribution from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the SEAI National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2019. The project is led by Ireland-based Smart Wires Europe with collaborators EirGrid and EPRI.
This two-year project, with total budget of almost €300,000, aims to develop sophisticated software tools that will enable EirGrid to increase the wind and solar power that can be transported on the grid.
As operator of the national electricity grid, EirGrid has been tasked with increasing the average amount of renewable energy to 70% by 2030. It currently carries an average of just over 40%.
Mark Foley, EirGrid Chief Executive, said the project will optimize the use of the electricity network in real time, allowing more renewable energy to flow over existing lines.
“By participating in this project, EirGrid is not only helping to future proof its network but contributing to the global energy transition by supporting the development of tools that can be rolled out to grid operators across the world. We are delighted to partner with Smart Wires and EPRI on this important work.” he added.
The key objective of this project is to develop a world-first decision-support tool that helps manage the complexities of a grid with very high-penetration of renewable generation. In the near future, control room operators will be able to manage the grid by activating digital power flow controllers that are deployed on all key transmission lines and substations.
This project will develop a new advanced software tool that will help visualize and optimize the settings of the power flow control devices on the grid. By providing real-time decision support to control room operators, this type of visualization will help EirGrid and other system operators move towards smarter, and increasingly more automated grid operations.
The tool will optimize network power flows and provide more consistent, real-time control. This helps resolve constraints, enables a greater integration of renewable energy, and reduces the need for new infrastructure. It will be built such that it can be converted to other grid operation platforms, allowing easy adoption by transmission system operators across the world.
Under the project, Smart Wires is developing the technology and tools, and EPRI is providing subject matter expertise. EirGrid will share relevant transmission system data and provide subject matter expertise.
Smart Wires’ CEO Peter Wells commented: “Power flow control technology will be crucial to countries meeting their climate action obligations. This project will be watched with interest globally and is another example of European technology leadership in the energy transition. We already see major global interest in this work as countries seek ways to unlock the full potential of their grids to enable the energy transition.”
About SEAI
SEAI is Ireland’s national energy authority investing in, and delivering, appropriate, effective, and sustainable solutions to help Ireland’s transition to a clean energy future. We work with Government, homeowners, businesses, and communities to achieve this, through expertise, funding, educational programs, policy advice, research, and the development of new technologies.
SEAI is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
About the SEAI National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme
The SEAI National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Funding Programme invests in innovative energy related projects which contribute to Ireland’s transition to a clean and secure energy future.
Further details can be found here. Link included for reference:
https://www.seai.ie/grants/research-funding/research-development-and-demonstration-fund/
About EirGrid
EirGrid Group is a state-owned company that manages and operates the transmission grid across the island of Ireland. This includes interconnection with neighbouring grids and the wholesale electricity market. EirGrid operates and develops the electricity transmission grid in Ireland and SONI operates and plans the electricity transmission grid in Northern Ireland.
Our high-voltage network brings power from where it is generated to where it is needed, at the most economic price possible. We are responsible for providing a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity: now, and in the future.
https://www.eirgridgroup.com
About Smart Wires
Smart Wires is a global power technology company advancing the delivery of affordable, clean electricity worldwide. With our innovative technology and advanced analytics, we maximize the grid’s capacity. This means more renewables, at a lower cost and with less disruption to communities and the environment. Smart Wires has a global workforce of 200 professionals spread across four continents. Our team collaborates with our customers to achieve their strategic objectives and help them face an uncertain energy future with flexible, high-impact solutions.
www.smartwires.com
