SONI has released its latest Tomorrow's Energy Scenarios report which outlines the future of Northern Ireland's electricity grid in accordance with the government's climate objectives.

Published in collaboration with EirGrid, the Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios (TES) report examines various potential futures to project electricity demand and supply beyond 2030, extending to 2050. The report highlights the challenges ahead, detailing how society's needs for energy security and affordability can be met and outlines actionable steps to decarbonize the island's power supply.

The scenarios highlight the critical role of innovative technologies and improved grid capabilities in supporting Northern Ireland's path to net zero. SONI is working to meet the challenges that lie ahead, as the analysis shows that the annual total electricity demand is forecast to more than double by 2050, to between 21TWh – 26TWh.

This comprehensive report details four specific strategies for decarbonising the power system, underscoring the importance of flexibility, interconnections and the integration of renewable energy sources. TES highlights the necessity of a balanced mix of generation technologies, where renewables are complemented by energy storage, reliable dispatchable capacity and improved interconnection.

The comprehensive scenarios outlined in TES are designed to inform and support strategic decisions by policymakers, industry leaders, and the community as we work together towards a net-zero future.

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The four scenarios are:

Self-Sustaining: Self-Sustaining considers a future where there is very high penetration of renewables across all technologies – onshore and offshore wind, large scale solar, rooftop solar, and grid-scale energy storage – and this clean energy attracts new industry and development to Northern Ireland. Targeting a net zero power system from 2040 and a fast pace of decarbonisation, there is also a very high penetration of electric vehicles, residential and commercial heat pumps.

Offshore Opportunity: Offshore Opportunity is similar to Self-Sustaining, where it includes for very high levels of offshore wind capacity and interconnection to Great Britain and continental Europe. The large amount of clean electricity generated by offshore wind enables economic development, increasing energy exports and a portion of renewable generation is also used to create green hydrogen for power generation. Offshore Opportunity also features a fast pace towards a net zero power system from 2040.

Gas Evolution: Gas Evolution sees the energy transition being supplemented by a potential hydrogen economy. It features significant amounts of renewable power being converted at scale into green hydrogen. Due to more widespread use of hydrogen, the transmission system electricity demand is lower than in the previous scenarios. However, a portion of electricity demand will develop outside of the transmission system to produce green hydrogen. The pace of decarbonisation in Gas Evolution is steady, targeting a net zero power system from 2045.

Constrained Growth: Constrained Growth reflects a future where the energy transition proceeds more slowly, and it takes longer to achieve climate targets for the power system and other sectors of demand. In Constrained Growth, offshore wind develops slowly, as does interconnection with other countries. Electric vehicle roll-out is slower, and electrification of heat and other demand progresses more slowly. In Constrained Growth, the net zero power system target is 2050.

SONI’s central role in the energy system is instrumental in supporting the strategic planning necessary to achieve the government’s ambitious climate targets.

SONI Chief Executive, Alan Campbell, said: "SONI is at the forefront of transforming Northern Ireland’s energy system to ensure it is both sustainable and capable of meeting future demands. It’s essential that we plan and make decisions now that will prepare for this transformation. Collaboration, technological advancement, and proactive scenario planning are crucial for Northern Ireland to realise the potential of an energy secure future.

"As a trusted adviser to government, our ambition, through research like Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios, is to provide the analysis that can support decision-makers on the formation and implementation of energy policy that can deliver a cleaner, more secure energy future for homes, farms and businesses across Northern Ireland."