What’s the frequency Kenneth? Rapid Eirgrid Management (REM) on a high wind system

Last week saw the Irish Wind Energy Association’s (IWEA) spring conference, and far from being the end of the world as we know it, the sector feels fine.

On 14 March, the sector set yet another record with 55% of that day’s electricity coming from wind generation. The overall possible instantaneous penetration of non-synchronous generation, Non-Synchronous System Penetration (SNSP), now stands at 60%. As Eirgrid noted at the conference and other similar forums, they are managing a relatively isolated system with the world-leading proportion of wind generation. Meanwhile the Generation Capacity Statement (GCS), government policy and industry forecasts all point to continued growth in variable renewable generation.

This week’s blog compares wind output against system demand, interconnector flows and overall generation on three dates.

Related thinking

Low carbon generation

Analyse thy neighbour: Interconnectors and their importance to future power prices

Whilst we build towards 2021 and post-Brexit energy markets, focus has been applied to how we in GB strive towards net zero ambitions with a more independent policy agenda. However, regardless of future trading arrangements, interconnectors with EU nations will continue to play a pivotal role in driving wholesale power...

Low carbon generation

All-Island wind dispatch-down rises year-on-year

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Low carbon generation

Demand trends: August sees highest demand since March

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Commercial and market outlook

Changes: how our Spectrum service is evolving

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Low carbon generation

RESS-1 application closing date is further extended

With a lot of uncertainty around the impacts of COVID-19 on global supply chains and renewable project delivery we are starting to see the effects in the Irish Energy market, notably the announcement that prequalification for the Renewable Energy Support Scheme in Ireland will be extended. In December 2019, the...

Energy storage and flexibility

Tootsie slide: Demand drop

Since both governments of Ireland have restricted movement in the light of COVID-19, we have observed changes to working patterns. This has subsequently resulted in a reduction and shift in demand profile for the island of Ireland. This week's blog looks at demand reduction since COVID-19 restrictions have been in...

Energy storage and flexibility

The next episode: Qualification for T-4 Capacity auction

The final qualification results for the upcoming 2023/24 T-4 Capacity Auction were published on the 3 April. In this week’s blog, we consider what these qualification results tell us. Click here to view full article

Low carbon generation

The Pain: SEM prices get low

It is easy to forget that this weekend is Easter where a large part of the country will have a 4-day weekend.  This year the demand levels are still trending down as restrictions due to COVID-19 become ever tighter. So what will this mean for the electricity generators? This week’s...