The Company has been selected as the 2011 Winner of the SmartGrid Demo Project in the Renewables Integration Category by the influential US engineering publication PowerGrid International. The award is in recognition of ESB Networks' work in the Renewables Energy Integration area, which it is developing in conjunction with the Energy Research Centre (ERC) based at UCD and the US based Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI).
The Smart Networks initiative is designed to support Ireland's target of generating 40% of electricity from renewables by 2020. This requires the installation of 6,600 MW of renewable generation on the Electricity Grid, with half of this wind capacity connected through ESB's Distribution Network. To facilitate this, the Smart Networks Project has designed and implemented new technologies and innovative approaches of managing Wind Connections to the Distribution System in a cost effective way.
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It also paves the way for the introduction of Smart Meter technologies to enable customers to manage their electricity more efficiently and ultimately cut costs. Additionally, the Smart Networks Project is seeking to maximize the potential of the carbon free energy resource produced through renewables and is currently installing new electric vehicle charging infrastructure which will allow for the development of a nationwide electric transport.
ESB Networks, Managing Director, Jerry O'Sullivan said: "Ireland has already reached the significant milestone of 50% of national electricity demand being powered by wind generation during hours when demand is low.
"In order to reach the national target, the existing level of wind capacity needs to quadruple. The Smart Networks initiative is critical to achieving this. We are extremely pleased to have received this award from such a prestigious international engineering body as PowerGrid International. It is an acknowledgement of the capabilities the Company has acquired in the implementation of Smart Networks."
(CD/GK)
