Northern Ireland’s electricity mission operator says it’s set to play a “proactive role” in supporting the region’s clean energy transition.
The System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) has launched a new five-year strategy, and says it has “confirmed its aspiration to be a trusted adviser to the Northern Ireland Executive and the Utility Regulator on the development and delivery of energy policy”.
The SONI Strategy 2025-2031 defines a new, fresh purpose of “meeting Northern Ireland’s energy needs, today and in the future”.
It says it has outlined key strategic ambitions which align with its role, which include operating the grid, safely and reliably, advising government and regulators, planning the “optimal future design” of the system, and delivering “crucial partnerships” with NIE Networks to “transform” the grid’s infrastructure.
It has also indicated its intention to move towards a more “plan-led” approach to grid development to accelerate progress and reduce barriers to delivery in meeting Northern Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions while protecting consumers from unnecessary costs.
“At SONI, we have the important dual responsibility of meeting Northern Ireland’s electricity needs today, and in the future,” Alan Campbell, SONI chief executive, said.
“Northern Ireland’s energy transition is a once-in-a-generation transformation that will bring huge benefits for our society, economy and environment.
“Meeting this collective ambition requires a transformation of the power system at an unprecedented level of scale, pace and complexity. Our expertise, experience and independence as the System Operator means we can play a proactive role and act as a trusted adviser in the delivery of this crucial mission.
“At the beginning of this exciting new chapter as Northern Ireland’s electricity Transmission System Operator, our Strategy 2025-2031 defines a fresh, new purpose and sets a clear direction for how we intend to step up and support government, regulators and industry to ensure we collectively realise our ambition of a cleaner, more secure energy future.
And director of strategy and regulation, Kevin O’Neill, said: “We have engaged extensively with our partners across society, industry and statutory bodies to ensure our strategy reflects their priorities, as well as our ambition to be a world-class transmission system operator working for everyone in Northern Ireland.
“Our new strategy complements the plans we already have in place to transform the grid, but we know there are many areas which need to see quicker progress. Only a further and deeper intensification of the collaboration that has enabled our progress to date, coupled with a supportive, innovative, and agile policy and regulatory environment, can we realise this collective ambition.”