EirGrid and SONI, the Electricity Transmission System operators (TSOs) in Ireland and Northern Ireland, have announced the Smart Grid concepts which will commence testing on the island's power systems.

Earlier this year an enduring initiative was launched, inviting companies with Smart Grid technology capability to work with the TSOs to develop and trial their concepts. This programme is designed to encourage and develop SMART technologies on the island's power systems. With the TSOs assistance it is envisaged that this will lead to refinements and innovation that enhance the technologies, and supports the development of a Smarter Grid in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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These projects could result in cost benefits to customers, enhancing security of supply, promoting sustainability and the opportunity to share knowledge and learning.

EirGrid has announced that the first companies to be ready to trial such technologies on the power system under this programme in the coming months are:

•Glen Dimplex Quantum - Greenway Project

•SSE Renewables/GE - Fast Frequency Response Project

The Greenway project involves a number of local authorities and public institutions i.e. Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, DCU, DIT and DAA, combining to make up to 1000 properties available to demonstrate how the Glen Dimplex Quantum space and water heating system can be used to remotely switch on and off a distributed population of energy stores in response to an operational command.

The SSE Renewables /GE fast frequency response project aims to demonstrate GE's WindINERTIATM Control – which enables a temporary increase in wind turbine electrical

power output over a short period of time in response to an under frequency event, thus

enhancing grid stability.

(CD/GK)