Ireland's approach for the connection of large amounts of renewable generation

Abstract

This paper discusses the connection policies adopted to facilitate the large number of wind farms seeking access to the Irish power system. A key feature is a grouped connection offer process that provides certainty for wind project developers and optimises the development of the network. A further interesting feature is the development of a “wind cluster” concept which permits semi-dedicated MV networks for the connection of a group of adjacent wind farms, together with equitable arrangements for sharing the financial burden of construction between developers.