EirGrid’s Innovation and Research Strategy published in December 2023 shows some positive commitment to forward looking innovation. However, there needs to be a longer term vision which will more adequately address the emerging grid technology gap.
SuperNode CEO John Fitzgerald states:
“SuperNode commends EirGrid’s commitment to innovation and research in its recent strategy report. The strategy reflects positive steps towards maximising current network capacity and acceleration towards a meshed multi-purpose offshore grid. SuperNode recognises the importance of such initiatives for the renewable energy transition. However, the strategy is missing critical areas that require long-term vision and innovation such as addressing the grid technology gap and the need to better support and nurture innovative grid technology solutions.”
While EirGrid’s strategy focuses on important but relatively short-term innovations such as dynamic line rating and digitalisation solutions, SuperNode emphasises the need to consider the long-term feasibility of exclusively relying on conventional copper or aluminium based grid technology. It is now clear that existing grid technology cannot and will not meet future requirements. To achieve Ireland and Europe’s renewable energy targets, there is a pressing and urgent need for innovative grid technologies with higher transmission capacities to be developed, demonstrated and deployed. SuperNode advocates for a shift towards exploring technologies like high-capacity superconducting cables, which will be commercially available this decade and have the potential to significantly increase transmission capacities.
SuperNode underscores the technology gap in grids and the limitations of current transmission cable technology, which can carry just 1GW per cable compared to as much as 10GW in a single superconducting cable corridor. As Ireland aims to harness its offshore wind potential and transition to being a net electricity exporter, the development, testing, manufacturing, and commercialisation of innovative, high-capacity cable technologies become imperative. Without such advancements, the risk of excessive infrastructure, material use, and space consumption is unavoidable.
Given the right policies and supports, SuperNode envisions Ireland becoming a European, if not global, hub for the development, demonstration, deployment, and manufacturing of innovative grid technologies such as superconducting cable systems for electricity transmission. The company urges policymakers to create frameworks that support and nurture new technologies, attract major grid technology companies, and establish Ireland as a leader in the industry.
SuperNode acknowledges EirGrid’s reference to trials and sandboxes in their Research and Innovation Strategy which are crucial to supporting innovative grid technologies. However, EirGrid’s approach to these sandboxes must shift with greater emphasis and incentives provided. One potential solution is the creation of a dedicated pool of funds for demonstrations and pilot projects linked to the asset base or turnover of system operators.. This would enable ample opportunities for innovative grid technology companies to pilot and demonstrate technology in a controlled real-world environment, while addressing any derogations needed from rules and regulations to do so.
Ireland could follow the example of the Norwegian Energy Regulatory Authority (NVE-RME) which offers, as part of its Finance Scheme for R&D, regulatory sandboxes for pilot and demonstration projects from Technology Readiness Level[1] (TRL) 5 – 8, which often require derogations from rules and regulations.
If Ireland is to deliver on Eirgrid’s Shaping our Electricity Future and Tomorrow’s Energy Scenario’s ambitious renewables scenarios and become a renewable energy powerhouse, changes must be implemented to better support innovative grid technologies.
You can read EirGrid’s Innovation and Research Strategy here.
[1] Technology Readiness Levels comprise a measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. TRL1 is the lowest and TRL 9 is the highest.