Wind Penetration Studies on the Island of Ireland

Abstract

This paper summarises two reports that were commissioned to analyse impacts of increasing the wind power penetration on the Island of Ireland. The first report was commissioned by Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) and assesses the contribution renewable sources can make to the Northern Ireland electricity system. The second report was commissioned by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas (Ofreg); it examines the possible effects increasing wind generation would have on the combined systems of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The reports undertake a detailed analysis of the potential wind resource available, and the likely impact it may have on the respective transmission and distribution systems. The possible effects that increased amounts of wind generation may have on the system operation are examined and various economic implications are assessed.