Each region is summarised individually below. In each regional summary a detailed map is provided showing all transmission circuits and substations, their operating voltages and generation sources. Major grid developments are highlighted and categorised as new assets, uprated or modified assets, or areas of continuing investigation. Each regional summary is accompanied by a regional summary table. This table describes: • • • • •
the forecast regional generation and demand balance; the main regional demand centres, and the forecast demand and additional available capacity at the demand centres20; the number of projects; circuit lengths; and total projected regional development cost21.
The major new regional developments are listed and a high-level description of the regional development plan is provided for each region. Where there are major projects within that region, a more detailed description of these key projects is provided. Figure 5-3 provides a national summary. For details on projects that have already been completed see the Transmission Development Plan which is available on our website. While certain projects are identified in this strategy, these will all be subject to project level screening for Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, in accordance with the governing legislation. In addition, our grid development strategy, including this Technical Report, will provide the foundation for our next Implementation Plan and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), the preparation of which has commenced, and which will be published in 2017. In our grid development strategy we set out our view on the major investment projects necessary to meet Ireland’s needs. This strategy relates only to Ireland, but it considers the all-island energy market. In particular, it responds to the urgent need to secure electricity supply in Northern Ireland.
20
Although capacity is shown at the demand centre, it is indicative of the available capacity for the surrounding general area. For projects within the grid development strategy only, for example new assets that physically connect generation to the transmission network are excluded.
21
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