Procedure
Eirgrid publishes annually ‘All Island Transmission Forecast Statement’, which analyses how the transmission grid will develop and describes the reinforcement works to be implemented.
Eirgrid has published its ‘Transmission Development Plan 2024- 2033: https://cms.eirgrid.ie/transmission-development-plan-tdp-2024
Tasks of the DSO/TSO
EirGrid (TSO) - Grid Development Roadmap: “At EirGrid, we are making the grid ready to carry 80% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, as set out in the Government's Climate Action Plan. Electricity will play a crucial role in our response to climate change. The growth in low-carbon and renewable sources will require a decade of change to the electricity system. We also need to make the grid stronger and more flexible. Shaping Our Electricity Future is our roadmap for achieving these goals.
Plain English Summary: https://cms.eirgrid.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Shaping-Our-Electricity-Future_Version-1.1-Plain-English-Summary_07.23.pdf
Technical Roadmap Report: https://cms.eirgrid.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Shaping-Our-Electricity-Future-Roadmap_Version-1.1_07.23.pdf
Obligations and rights of plant operators
Electricity plants are operated by the ESB Networks.
Generator availability capacity: https://www.esbnetworks.ie/services/get-connected/renewable-connection/network-capacity-heatmap
Service providers connected to the distribution network and partnerships between the Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are required to help release the full potential of demand-side flexibility. Demand side flexibility will be critical to ensuring we can enable the transition to at least 70% RES-E and facilitate the electrification of the heat and transport sectors while maintaining power system security. A demand side management strategy covering the participation of demand side resources in the energy, capacity and system services markets is required to incentivise the necessary behaviours and flexibility.”
https://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/Shaping_Our_Electricity_Future_Roadmap.pdf Page 17
Obligations and rights of customers
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) has developed nine Micro-Generation Policies for consumers, aiming to "generate electricity from renewable technologies including solar photovoltaic (PV), micro-wind, micro-hydro and micro-renewable combined heat and power (CHP).”
1. Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS): “Domestic applicants can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a grant towards the cost of installing Solar PV equipment. In 2023, capital grants are available up to a maximum of €2,400.”
2. Clean Export Guarantee (CEG): “The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff provides an opportunity for micro- and small-scale generators in Ireland to receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid. This remuneration is intended to reflect the wholesale market value of the electricity.”
3. Smart Meters: “The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is coordinating the National Smart Metering Programme and is working with ESB Networks (ESBN) in delivering the electricity meter rollout on a phased basis.”
4. Grid connections for Micro-generators: “Grid connection for projects up to 6kW (single phase, usually domestic) and up to 11kW (three phase, usually farm or commercial settings) is provided for through ESB Network’s existing simple notification process, the "Inform and Fit" process.”
5. Other Supports for Micro-generation: “The SEAI has a Community Energy Grant Scheme which is a national retrofit initiative with grant support for energy efficiency and renewable measures, including Solar PV installations. Through this scheme, support in achieving energy efficiency and reduced energy use and costs can be delivered for homeowners, communities, and private sector organisations.”
6. Domestic micro-wind turbines: Small wind turbines are exempted developments in domestic, industrial, agricultural and commercial applications if they comply with certain terms & conditions: more information is available in SI 83 of 2007 [ https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2007/si/83/made/en/pdf ] and SI 235 of 2008 [ https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2008/si/235/made/en/pdf ].”
7. Small-Scale Generation
8. Transposition of the EU Clean Energy Package
9. Planning for Solar installations
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b1fbe-micro-generation/
ESB Networks (DSO) facilitates the micro generation connections https://www.esbnetworks.ie/who-we-are/eletrification-of-heat-and-transport/microgeneration
Role of the NRA
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities [CRU] Planning and Development: “Annual public consultations are held by the CRU on Eirgrid's Network Development Plans. This is to allow stakeholders to express their views on Network Development Plans.” https://www.cru.ie/regulations-policy/energy/planning-and-development/