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ESB NETWORKS LTD
Aug/Sept 2011 www.esb.ie/em
GATE 3 – ENABLING TO ACHIEVE RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET
SOME READERS WILL be aware that, since 2004, all applications for the connections of windfarms to the distribution and/or transmission network are processed in batches known as Gates. Gate 1, with some 370MW of generating capacity, commenced in 2005, while Gate 2, with 1,385MW, commenced in 2007.
In December 2008, CER issued Direction CER 08/118, which signalled the official start of Gate 3. This directed both ESB Networks and EirGrid, to carry out studies and issue Connection Offers in respect of some 3,900MW of wind generation. The two system operators subsequently developed and published a two and half year programme to carry out the work. This significant piece of work is now drawing to a close with the expected issue of the final offers in August 2011.
The size of Gate 3 was determined by CER and was designed to enable the Republic of Ireland to achieve its renewable energy target of 33% by 2020. This target included renewable generation already connected and contracted while also allowing for some drop off.
The eligibility criterion, which was based upon date order, was decided by CER following extensive consultation with various stakeholders, most notably the Irish Wind Energy Association [IWEA] and Meitheal na Gaoithe. The work was broadly sequenced as follows:
- Application of criterion – who was in and who was out.
- Notification and publication of the outcome.
- Allocation of the individual wind farm developments to the nearest Transmission Nodes.
- Network studies to determine connection methods.
- Field checks that tested the feasibility of the proposed connection methods.
- Customer connection method meetings. During these meetings developers were, advised of the proposed methods of connection to their developments and could seek clarification on those methods. Another innovative element of this process was that developers could indicate within a fortnight of the meeting if they wished to opt for an underground connection.
- Formal notification to EirGrid of connection methods for renewable developments connecting to the distribution network. This in turn allowed EirGrid to commence the necessary studies.
- Receipt of documentation from EirGrid outlining the reinforcements of the transmission network required to accommodate the developments connected to the distribution network.
- Preparation of submissions detailing connection methods and associated costs. This was provided in order to secure financial approval.
- Issue of Connection Offers
The bulk of the work was carried out by the Renewables Planning team, led by Tony Hearne. This team is based in Osprey House in Dublin and Wilton in Cork. It consists of Mick Regan, Sandie Madden, Deirdre Pender, Mark Chambers, Chau Ngyen, Keith Moore, Paul Harrington and Catherine Clancy. Two former members of this team, Uinseann Ó Faodhagain and Volker Koch, also made a large contribution to this project before moving into other roles. As well as the team, many other key players also contributed to the success of the project. Fiona O’Donnell merits a special mention for a truly enormous contribution throughout the programme in the Regulation Area, as she managed the intensive, numerous and complex interactions with CER.
In addition, Shane Casey, Stephen Quin, Sarah O'Leary and John O’Sullivan provided financial scrutiny and oversight. The Customer and Commercial team, ledd by Gerry Halligan, were also heavily involved in financial approval and offer assembly. These included Kristina Orro, Mary Power and more recently Caroline Brindley and Adrian Boland. Also, many staff in the Delivery Organisation within ESB Networks undertook field checks, to sanity check the proposed connection methods.
The project was very much a joint ESB Networks and EirGrid venture and could not have been successfully achieved without significant co-operation of many EirGrid staff. During this project, many challenges were faced and overcome, some expected and many more unforeseen.
Some Gate 3 Facts and Figures:
| Number of applicants involved | 155 |
| No. of Distribution applicants | 127 |
| Total MW | 3,991 |
| Total Distribution MW | 1,941 |
| KM of planned new MV line | 140 |
| KM of planned new MV cable | 60 |
| KM of planned new 38kV line | 220 |
| KM of planned new 38kV cable | 95 |
Some new features included in this Gate that were not part of previous Gates include:
- Weekly progress meetings with EirGrid.
- Allocation of the individual wind farm developments to the nearest Transmission Nodes.
- Customer Connection Method meetings.
- Conduct of a Gate 3 Liaison Group meetings chaired by CER at which the System Operators reported on progress to the wider industry. This also proved to be a useful forum for emerging issues to be discussed.
- Introduction of Contestability. The legislation enabling this feature, whereby applicants can elect to build parts off their own connection was passed while the project was underway. Amongst other things, this necessitated the production of a suite of Functional Specifications and contestable charges. This also forced a revision to the project timelines for distribution offers since both non-contestable and contestable costs had to be advised to applicants so that they could select either option.
- A new form of Connection Agreement with EirGrid.
- Complex charging issues.
In addition to the distribution network that will be built to provide the direct connections for the wind farms to the electricity system, there will also be significant re-enforcements of the transmission system to meet requirements.
The last offers are expected to issue in August, drawing the offer issuance phase to a close. Once this phase is completed, the work associated with the next phase, i.e. The build out of the infrastructure, upon acceptance of offer can then begin.
New LED lighting in the SSC in Wilton
THE NEW DEDICATED Schedule Support Centre (SSC) opened in Wilton, Cork, on Tuesday April 26th at the same time that the OSS went live. Prior to SSC staff moving in, the existing lighting in the centre was reviewed and a decision taken to replace the old lights with new modern energy efficient LED lights.
In all, 58 x 80watt fluorescent tubes were replaced by 48 energy efficient LED tubes, the majority of which were rated at 26 Watts. Not only was the number of light fittings reduced, but the total lighting load was reduced by almost 75%. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of the SSC but it also delivers significant financial savings with a quick payback.
The lighting from these LED tubes is particularly suited to the SSC where the staff predominantly carry out most of their work on telephones and PCs. The colour rendering and quality of lighting from the LEDs tubes reduces glare and shadows on screens compared to the standard fluorescent lighting.
LED lights are also being trialled elsewhere in Networks, particularly in yards and garages, as part of the sustainability drive to reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint of Networks buildings.
