OPINION: A modern, resilient electricity grid is a crucial part of any fast-growing city and Derry is no exception
Gerard Carlin is the Director of Networks and Innovation for SONI, Northern Ireland’s Transmission System Operator. Originally from Derry, Gerard now has a leading role in transforming Northern Ireland’s electricity transmission grid to ensure the changing energy needs of consumers can be met today and into the future. Here he speaks about plans to extend Coolkeeragh Substation in the city and the importance of the station in Derry to the future of energy provision.
The Coolkeeragh 110 kV substation, situated inside the grounds of Coolkeeragh Power Station, services the electricity needs of the northwest of Northern Ireland. It is key for exporting the vast increase of readily available renewable energy generated in this part of the region.
Electricity systems across the world are changing - Northern Ireland’s must change too. As the Transmission System Operator, we have the crucial task of transforming Northern Ireland’s electricity grid to deliver a cleaner, more affordable and a more secure energy future for everyone. The investment into upgrading the substation at Coolkeeragh is an essential part of this journey.
Like all critical infrastructure, Northern Ireland’s electricity grid was built at a moment in time to meet, what was then, the more limited needs of electricity consumers. First developed in the 50s and 60s, the grid centred around the heavily industrialised east of Northern Ireland.
Since then, the energy landscape has changed dramatically; the upward drive of renewable energy investment in the north and west of Northern Ireland means that the way we plan the power system must change. Grid infrastructure investments must be done in a more regionally balanced way.
Derry is a thriving and fast-growing city. The expansion of Ulster University’s Magee Campus to reach the 10,000-student intake by 2032 is just one example of the city’s phenomenal growth.
But such progress does not sit in isolation. Advances in public and private sector growth and an increasing residential population must be supported by a modern electricity grid which can meet the growing demand from those who live, work and do business here. Investments in grid infrastructure also act as a catalyst for economic growth. Those regions that can decarbonise their electricity grids first will win the prize of economic investment.
To meet the changing energy needs of the northwest, SONI’s expert engineers have advanced plans to extend the existing substation site at Coolkeeragh. By expanding the footprint of the substation and carrying out reinforcement works, we will be able to meet the growing electricity demand. Beyond future-proofing supply, additional space created within the substation will allow for more connections to the grid, a key stimulant for economic development in Derry and the surrounding area.
The project team continue to work with Derry City and Strabane District Council and our partners, NIE Networks, to advance plans to extend Coolkeeragh Substation. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders in the months ahead to share what this means for the northwest, its people, businesses and future growth.
- Gerard Carlin, Director of Networks and Innovation for SONI.