SuperNode welcomes the recent Irish Government report “Energy Security in Ireland for 2030.” The report is another positive sign of commitment to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, become carbon neutral by 2050 and to secure a stable energy supply.
One key aspect highlighted in the report is the significance of electricity interconnections to enhance energy security, which leans heavily on the Interconnection Policy 2023 published by the Government in July this year. The current interconnection capacity of 500 MW is set to increase to 1,700MW in the coming years.
John Fitzgerald, CEO of SuperNode, stated, “We applaud the government’s dedication to decarbonisation, but we must be candid about the limitations in the proposed interconnection strategy. A more ambitious approach with much higher levels of interconnection based around meshed grids is not just beneficial; it is essential for our climate, energy security and renewable energy ambitions.”
SuperNode believes that in a more interconnected renewables-based future Ireland should look to far exceed our current interconnection targets and ensure our place as a significant exporter and contributor to the single European electricity market.
This requires an urgent shift away from the report’s focus on primarily point-to-point interconnections to a more forward-thinking approach based on meshed grids with multiple routes to market. This approach would enable and optimise our offshore renewable ambitions.
SuperNode also stresses the importance of remaining technology-agnostic, advocating for openness to innovative grid technologies such as high-capacity superconducting transmission cables to optimise the achievement of climate goals. The IEA Net Zero by 2050 report states that: “in 2050, almost half the reductions come from technologies that are currently at the demonstration or prototype phase.”
Fitzgerald added, “Our energy landscape is evolving rapidly, and we must embrace innovative technologies to fully realise our climate objectives. Staying open to advancements in grid technology such as SuperNode’s high capacity superconducting cables which can deliver bulk power efficiently and unobtrusively, is imperative for the collective success of the energy transition.”
You can read the Government’s full report here.