Analysis of the integration of wind generation into the Irish System

The European Union RES-E target for renewables for Ireland is 13.2% in 2010. ESB National Grid estimate that this corresponds to an installed capacity of 1,000 MW wind generation, together with some hydro and biomass. In order to determine the technical issues associated with accommodating various levels of wind generation from a system perspective, a number of areas need to be examined. Wind generation may be constrained for two reasons: transmission reasons and "wind reasons" due to the inherent variable and unpredictable nature of the wind. ESB National Grid has undertaken to carry out analysis of the effect of the wind on the system in isolation of transmission constraints. To this end, ESBNG has a devised a work programme, which can be split into two main strands: an initial investigation and a detailed technical analysis. A report is programmed for completion by the end of April 2004.