System Operator for Northern Ireland launches new multi-year strategy
Northern Ireland’s electricity transmission system operator, SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland), has launched a new multi-year strategy which will see the grid operator play a more proactive role in supporting Northern Ireland’s energy transition.
Given that the System Operator does not generate or sell electricity, or own any of the infrastructure assets, 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.
Following the appointment of a new, independent Board and senior leadership team in 2023/24, the System Operator set out a new, enhanced vision for its role in supporting Northern Ireland’s energy transition in a new, multi-year Strategy.
SONI Chief Executive, Alan Campbell, says: “At SONI, we have the important dual responsibility of meeting Northern Ireland’s energy needs today, and in the future. 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 scale, pace and level of complexity that is unprecedented. Our expertise, experience and independence as the System Operator means we can play a more proactive role and act as a trusted adviser in the delivery of this crucial mission.
The publication of Strategy 2025-2031 marks another significant milestone on SONI’s journey as Northern Ireland’s transmission system operator. The document defines a new, fresh purpose of “meeting Northern Ireland’s energy needs today, and in the future”.
“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,” Campbell adds.
In addition to a new purpose, the System Operator’s new Strategy also details four key strategic ambitions, namely to: advise government and regulators on electricity systems and markets with the provision of expertise and data; plan the optimal future design of the electricity system and markets through a range of evidence-based scenarios and forecasting research; deliver the crucial projects to transform the grid’s infrastructure and how we operate it to support the delivery of Northern Ireland’s energy ambitions; and, operate the grid safely, securely and reliably so power can flow from where it is generated to where it is needed in homes, businesses, farms and public services across Northern Ireland, while introducing new technologies to enable the use of more renewable electricity.
Director of Strategy and Regulation, Kevin O’Neill, says: “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.”
The System Operator’s new Strategy 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.
O’Neill explains: “As we move forward, we should continue to be open-minded and agile about new ways of doing things and take inspiration from what is working elsewhere because we know business-as-usual risks us falling short of the progress we need. That is why, as part of our new strategy, we have also set out our intention to work towards more of a plan-led approach to grid development, to better align the needs of the electricity system with investor ambitions whilst also ensuring we continue to protect consumers.”
For more information, visit: www.soni.ltd.uk/about-us/our-strategy
