Publications

The project aims to review the current ESB Networks planning and security of supply standard and update and evolve these standards to ensure that they facilitate the objectives of the ESB Networks Innovation Strategy. These novel standards will take account of the requirements of binding National and EU Energy Directives and Network Codes, whilst cost effectively maintaining a safe, secure and reliable distribution system. These  novel standards will facilitate the introduction of non secured access for distributed generators and non wires alternative solutions.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek views and comments from stakeholders on ‘Innovation to Connect a Clean Electric Future’. This document gives an overview of ESB Networks Innovation Strategy, framework, processes, governance and projects, with a particular focus on our innovation activities in 2021 and our pipeline of innovation projects into 2022.  

Background:  

In ESB Networks, the purpose of our innovation is to develop and implement new ideas with enduring benefits for our customers as Ireland transitions to a low carbon society. ESB Networks Innovation Strategy supports the transformation of the electricity network to facilitate this low carbon future and strengthens the culture of innovation and collaboration needed to deliver this energy transition for the benefit of our customers.  Our Innovation Strategy Framework manages every stage of the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, from setting the vision to establishing business as usual. This framework has been applied to a balanced portfolio of projects across our three pillars; Future Customer, Climate Action and Network Resilience that align with our business strategy and take account of feedback received from industry and key stakeholders.  

This consultation document also presents an overview of ESB Networks innovation activities in 2021. It outlines ESB Networks' 29 innovation projects, our 13 pipeline projects and 5 new ideas that we have identified for further consideration and possible progression into our roadmaps.

Our new publication is now open for consultation and is available to view here:  Innovation to Connect a Clean Electric Future |Download PDF 10.2MB

We welcome your views and feedback on how ESB Networks delivers innovation and whether we are focusing on the right innovation areas. Please submit all feedback to innovationfeedback@esbnetworks.ie by 5pm, Tuesday 1^st March 2022.

At ESB Networks, we’re delivering the electricity network for Ireland’s clean electric future and Innovation is a key enabler in our Networks for Net Zero Strategy.

We are delighted to issue our Annual Innovation Public Consultation “Innovation to Deliver the Electricity Network for a Clean Electric Future.”  The consultation details our recent innovation activities and the projects ongoing in ESB Networks in 2022. We are looking for your views and feedback on our upcoming innovation projects and initiatives.

Please submit your comments and feedback to innovationfeedback@esbnetworks.ie by 17:00, Wednesday 1st March 2023.

The purpose of this document is to report, in summary, on the status of our Innovation Project activities as at the end of Q2 2021. This information is being shared in line with our commitments to both the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities and our stakeholders to support transparency and the availability of more information in relation to our innovation projects.

It is essential for ESB Networks to assess the advances in materials and technologies relating to network assets, and to understand how they can be deployed to optimise existing network assets.

Amorphous Metal Distribution Transformers (AMDT) proposes a lower electrical loss design solution compared to traditional transformers. AMDT cores possess a different grain structure with much lower resistance to magnetization cycles, which leads to reduced core losses. This innovation project is about evaluating the suitability of AMDT transformers and in particular evaluating whether the reduced core losses of this unique material offer sufficient benefits when deployed on the Irish network.

This document is a joint TSO/TAO Report between EirGrid and ESB Networks which looks at our performance in planning investments and ultimately delivering transmission system projects in 2017.

This document is a joint TSO/TAO Report between EirGrid and ESB Networks which looks at our performance in planning investments and ultimately delivering transmission system projects in 2018.

This document is a joint TAO/TSO report between ESB Networks and EirGrid which looks at our performance in planning investments and ultimately delivering transmission system projects in 2019.

ESB Networks employed the services of Irish Rural Link in October 2019  to carry out an independent assessment of community understanding of the Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project.

ESB Networks and EirGrid, in their respective capacities as Transmission Asset Owner (TAO) and Transmission System Operator (TSO), are publishing this Call for Input Consultation in relation to the PR5 Joint TSO/TAO Incentive. This is aligned with Section 7.9 of the CRU’s PR5 Regulatory Framework Incentives and Reporting (CRU/20/154) determination. The TSO/TAO previously published the Multi-Year Plan for 2023-2027. The final four years of that plan (2024 – 2027) are the basis for this Call for Input into the development of the 2024-2028 plan.

Consultation question

Via this Call for Input Consultation, we invite stakeholder views on and input into the proposed approach in advance of our finalisation of the 2024-2028 Multi Year Plans, and our subsequent submission of same to the CRU.

Next Steps

The consultation period will run for four weeks, beginning on 28^th July 2023, and closing on 25^th August 2023 at 17:30pm.