Kilkenny County Grid Review

KilkennyCounty Grid Review

Lot 1 Deliverable:Grid Study and Capacity Training for Communities

No representation or warranty, express or implied is made by the authors as to the accuracy or

completeness of any information contained in this report. Mullan Grid Consulting and Bioxl accepts no

responsibility in relation to such information whether fact, opinion, expectation or otherwise, or for any

opinion or conclusion which the addressee may draw from this report.

Issue No Revision Comment Issue Date Author Reviewer Approver

1 Original 24/03/2021

Document Reference:795-101 Kilkenny R&I Centre County Review v1

Table of Contents1. Introduction

2. Scope of Works

3. Connection Guide to Energisation

4. Connection Offer Process

5. The Electricity Network in Ireland

6. Renewable Generation in Ireland

7. ECP-2 Decision for Community Projects

8. ECP-2 Decision Nodal Assignment Rules

9. ESBN Application Requirements

10. Application Fees

11. Geographical vs Electrical Scope

12. Existing and Planned Network Generation in Kilkenny

13. Single Line Diagram of Kilkenny 110kV Substation

14. 110kV Transformer Calculation Methodology

15. Transformer Capacity at the Kilkenny Node Substations

16. Ballyhale 38kV Substation

17. Callan 38kV Substation

18. Capacity on 38kV Loop to Ballyhale & Callan substations

19. Goresbridge 38kV Substation

20. Graiguenamanagh 38kV Substation

21. McDonagh 38kV Substation

22. Purcells Inch 38kV Substation

23. Rosehill 38kV Substation

24. Talbots Inch 38kV Substation

25. Transformer Capacity at Carlow 110kV Substation

26. Bagenalstown 38kV Substation

27. Transformer Capacity at Waterford 110kV Substation

28. Rosbercon 38kV Substation

29. Rosbercon 38kV Loop

30. Belview 38kV Substation

31. Mount Misery 28kV Substation

32. Granagh 38kV Substation

33. Transformer Capacity at Ballyragget 110kV Substation

34. Castlecomer 38kV Substation

35. Ballyragget 38kV Substation

36. Eirgrid Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios

37. Southeast Area H2 ECP-1 Constraint Report

38. Eirgrid ECP1 Constraint Solar Projections

39. Eirgrid ECP1 Constraint Wind Projections

40. Summary of Co. Kilkenny Grid Potential

1. Introduction

3Counties Energy Agency (hereafter referred to as the Client) are carrying out a review on the potential grid connection

options for community generation projects in Co. Kilkenny with the financial support of Kilkenny Leader Partnership.

MullanGrid Consulting and Bioxl were commissioned to undertake a grid analysis to determine the capacity of the

distribution and transmission system in Co. Kilkenny for connection of new community projects.

2. Scope of Works

The scope of work undertaken is in accordance with the following;

1. Overview of the connection offer process for medium/large scale, community, small scale and micro generation projects.

2. Review of the transmission and distribution infrastructure in Co. Kilkenny including 110kV and 38kV networks and

substations.

3. Review of existing connected and contracted renewable generation in Co. Kilkenny as well as renewable energy projects

currently in the planning system.

4. Review of the available transformer capacities at the 110kV and 38kV substations.

5. Review of capacity for additional generation on existing 38kV circuits.

6. This review is focused on identifying opportunities for 1-5MW projects. It also highlights any areas on the High Voltage

(HV) distribution network with capacity bottlenecks that would impact on small scale connections (11kW-1MW).

3. Connection Guide to Energisation

The slide provides a high level overview of the process of connecting a generator to the electricity network. The main

tasks are briefly outlined below in Figure 1 which set out the stages of development for the connection of a generator

installation:

• Connection application submitted by developer

• Application processed by relevant system operator(ESBN or EirGrid)

Connection Offer Process

• Connection works scoping and design

• Consents for connection assets acquired

• Procure equipment

Pre-Construction Works

• Construction of civil works

• Install electrical equipment

• Testing and commissioningConstruction Works

Feasibility Studies

Energisation

Figure 1: Connection Guide to Energisation

Planning Consent Obtained

4. Connection Offer Process • To connect into the electricity grid in Ireland renewable projects have to receive and accept a connection offer from EirGrid or

ESB Networks. The Commission for the Regulation of Utility (CRU) have the role of deciding the connection policy for the

processing of connection applications for generators.

• In the early 2000s ESB Networks and EirGrid processed connection applications sequentially, i.e. they only processed one

connection application in an area at a time. With the large number of connection applications from windfarms it was decided to

change to a batch application process, known as the Group Processing Approach (GPA).

• Large number of applications were processed at the same time in what were known as Gates. Gate 1, 2 and 3 were processed

from 2005-2011. This provided the connection capacity for the windfarms required to achieve the 2020 RES-E targets.

• Non wind renewables continued to be processed outside the batch process in a sequential process. This included a large number

of solar connection applications in the period 2015-2018. As connection applications were generally being processed on a ‘first

come first served basis’, the gate and sequential processes resulted at times in connection capacity being allocated to generation

projects that were only at an early stage of development.

• Due to the large number of solar applications being processed through the sequential process and the requirement to process

more connection applications from windfarms, the CRU started in 2017 to design a new connection offer process known as the

Enduring Connection Process (ECP).

4. Connection Offer Process (Continued) • To avoid the potential hoarding of grid capacity, planning permission of the generation facility has been a requirement, and will

probably remain a requirement to submit an application into ECP (with some exceptions for community projects). The processing

of connection offers in batches is maintained in ECP but all generators over 500kW will be processed in ECP batches, rather than

just wind projects that were processed in the GPA Gate process. The processing of the first batch of applications in ECP-1 is now

complete and the processing of the second ECP2.1 batch started in 2021.

4. Connection Offer Process (Continued)

• The CRU published their decision paper on ECP-2 in 2020. The document sets out the framework for ECP-2 which

encompasses one batch application window each September for three years starting from 2020. The three batches are ECP-

2.1, ECP-2.2 and ECP-2.3. The CRU decided on a target of 115 connection offers to be processed in each of the batches.

• This target consists of 85 offers for generation, storage and system services projects (MEC > 500kW), prioritised by the 25

largest renewable generation projects and then by planning permission grant date (Category A). In addition, there will be 15

connection offers per batch for non-batch projects (<500kW & auto-producing generators) (Category B) and 15 connection

offers per batch for community-led projects (Category C).

• The connection offer process for Community Projects is explained in detail in Section 5. Table 1 below outlines the indicative

timelines for the three ECP-2 batches. At the end of January 2021, EirGrid published the list of category A, B & C applicants to

be processed in ECP2.1, see link below:

https://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/2020-Batch-(ECP-2.1)-Results-Joint-SO-Publication_January-2021.pdf

Table 1: Proposed ECP Batch Timelines

https://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/2020-Batch-(ECP-2.1)-Results-Joint-SO-Publication_January-2021.pdf

400 kV

220 kV

38 kV

110 kV

20/10 kV (Medium Voltage/MV)

400/230 V (Low Voltage/LV)

5. The Electricity Network in Ireland

BusinessCustomers

Domestic Customers

Wind Generation

Conventional Generation

• Distribution System Operator- ESB Networks

• Transmission System Operator-EirGrid

• A good analogy to the Electricity Network is the Road network.

• The Transmission network is the motorway for delivering electricity and provides the bulk of the electricity to cities and large towns in Ireland.

• The Distribution Network is the national or regional road that supplies small towns, villages and domestic customers with electricity.

Small Scale & Community

Projects

6. Renewable Generation in Ireland

• Micro Generation

• 6kW (Single phase) or 11kW (three phase) connections for small projects connected to the LV network

• Figure 1 is an example of a small hydro generator and domestic PV installation

• There is a Government led group currently discussing creating a new category of 11-50kW connections that will have a similar offer process as micro generation

• Small Scale Generation

• 11-500kW connections to LV or MV network

• Zero Export Projects, all generation used on-site and with no export of generation onto the grid

• Auto-production with some generation being exported onto the grid (Typically 50% or less export)

• Figure 2 is an example of a rooftop solar installation that could be zero export or auto-production

Figure 1: 6kW Hydro Generator and a domestic PV installation

Figure 2: Rooftop Solar Installation-Export and/or Autoproduction (O’Sheas Farm, Kilkenny)

6. Renewable Generation in Ireland-Continued

• Community Renewable Electricity Projects

• 500kW-5MW

• Example of Renewable Generation: Wind, Solar PV, Hydro (excluding pumped storage), Waste to Energy, Biomass and Biogas Projects

• In Ireland a 4-5MW project generally connects with a 10kV or 20kV circuit to an existing 38kV substation.

• Figure 3 is an example of a 4.8MW solar farm.

• Commercial Renewable projects

• 500kW to 200 MW.

• Projects <5MW considered small.

• Connections at 10kV, 20kV, 38kV and 110kV.

• Figure 4 is an example of a large scale wind farm in Co. Galway.

Figure 3: Ground Mounted Solar Farm( Co.Antrim)

Figure 4: Large Scale Wind farm(Co. Galway)

7. ECP-2 Decision for Community Projects

• On the 10/06/2020 the CRU published the final ECP-2 decision that stated there

would be 15 community projects per ECP batch. This number could be higher if

there is a low number of non-batch applications.

• Community projects are projects with an MEC greater than or equal to 0.5MW

and less than or equal to 5MW.

• Community projects application fees are initially capped at a €2,000 deposit,

please see Section 9 for details of the eventual application costs.

• Planning permission is not a requirement to submit an application to ESB

Networks but planning must be in place to accept the connection offer.

• ESB Networks have stated that they will undertake a connection assessment for

the project once the deposit for the application has been received. Assuming

the assessment is positive and the project can be processed outside of the

batch, ESB Networks will hold the capacity for two years to allow projects

achieve planning permission at the connection location.

• Once planning has been achieved and the balance of the application fee has

been paid, ESB Networks will issue the connection offer for the project.

• If planning permission is not received within the two-year period, projects will

be re-studied at no additional cost at the next available opportunity once

planning permission is confirmed (i.e. on a batch or non-batch basis).

https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CRU20060-ECP-2-Decision.pdf

https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CRU20060-ECP-2-Decision.pdf

8. ECP-2 Decision Nodal Assignment Rules

• ESB Networks and EirGrid published new voltage and node assignment rules in

September 2020. These rules help identify the connection point for a generator onto the

existing ESB Networks and EirGrid network.

• As highlighted below a project with an MEC ≤5MW will be assigned to the nearest

MV(10kV or 20kV) busbar.

• Small projects ≤1MW can connect to the MV network but connections are dependant on

capacity on the network and the 38kV substation the network is supplied through.

• The 38kV substations in Ireland are equipped with 38/MV transformers and there are

some 110kV substation's that are equipped with 110/MV or 38/MV transformers.

Guidance for node assignment at distribution level

Guidance for node assignment at transmission level

ECP-2.1 Node Assignment Ruleshttps://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/Node-Assignment-Rules-ECP-2.pdf

12

9. ESBN Application Requirements

• To apply for a grid connection for a generator, a developer or community must submit a

connection application form. This form is called an NC5 application and can be downloaded

from the ESB Networks website. The information requested on the form is broken into the

following sections:

• Applicant, Site and general details

• Maps and diagrams

• Technical details of the generator

• Transformer data, if applicable

• 3 Declarations - see section 9

• The technical information required to complete this form may not be publicly available and

generator manufacturers or suppliers may be required to assist developers with the

completion of the application form.

• Once the application has been checked by the system operators and deemed complete, and if

successful in being included in the batch or non-batch process, then the project is listed on

the ESB Networks/EirGrid website. The published information from the application form

includes:

• Project name

• Company name

• Contact details; contact name, phone number, email address

• Location and co-ordinates

• MEC

ESB NC5

https://www.esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/esb_form-nc5-august-accessible.pdf?sfvrsn=234433f0_17

10. Application Fees

• To apply to the ECP batch a non-refundable €2,000 deposit is

required to be submitted with the application for projects over

1MW.

• The balance of the application fee for community projects is only

required after the system operators have completed the

connection assessment for the project and planning has been

achieved.

• If the connection assessment is not positive or the project

otherwise proves not commercially viable then the application can

be withdrawn without incurring any additional fees.

• Table 2 lists the full application fees for the ECP-2.1 batch.

• As per the Table 2 below the application fee for export capacity of,

500kW-1MW is €9,037, 1-4MW’s is €18,512, 5MW is €37,464 excl

VAT.

• Due to the application fee structure, many projects apply for 4MW,

rather than 5MW of capacity.

Table 2: ESB Networks Generator Application Fees

11. Geographical vs Electrical Scope

• Figure 5 below highlights the proposed study area to be considered in this review.

• The electricity network is not bound by the county borders and therefore there are some small transformers that are located

outside the county but are supplied through larger 38kV substations in the county.

• There are also 38kV substations that are located in Kilkenny but are supplied through 110kV substations outside the county

such as Waterford and Carlow 110kV substations. These 38kV substations have been included in this review.

Figure 5: Study Area Considered in this review

12. Existing and Planned Network and Generation in KilkennyKilkenny 110kV substation is located approximately 5km south east of Kilkenny City and is connected to the wider 110kV network

through two 110kV circuits to Great Island 110kV substation (Co. Waterford) and Kellis 220kV substation (Co. Carlow). Kilkenny

110kV substation normally feeds, Ballyhale, Callan, Goresbridge, Graiguenamanagh, Talbots Inch, Purcells Inch, McDonagh,

Ballyragget, and Rosehill 38kV substations. There are four 38kV substations that are connected in a 38kV loop around Kilkenny

City. These substations are McDonagh, Purcells Inch, Talbots Inch and Rosehill, please see Figure 6 for reference. Callan and

Ballyhale 38kV substations are connected to Kilkenny on a rural 38kV loop that is over 50km in length. Kilkenny 110kV substation

is equipped with 2 nr.63MVA 110/38kV transformers.

There is approximately 8.3MW of connected and contracted generation associated with Kilkenny 110kV substation. There were

three ECP-1 projects with live connection offers at the Kilkenny node. There are 3 solar projects with a combined MEC of 15MW

that are being processed in the ECP-2.1 batch at the Kilkenny 110kV node. There are also four other solar projects at 38kV

substations fed from Kilkenny with consented planning in the queue for the ECP2.2 batch. In addition there is a 50-60MW solar

farm in planning approximately 4km south of Kilkenny as well as an 80-90MW windfarm in planning near Ballyhale. Please see

Table 3 and Figure 7 & 8 for reference.

As part of EirGrids Laois-Kilkenny reinforcement project it is planned to build a new 110kV substation adjacent to the existing

38kV substation at Ballyragget. This new substation would then be connected to Kilkenny 110kV substation and a new

400/110kV substation in Laois. When this substation is completed it is expected to feed Castlecomer 38kV substation which is

currently fed from Carlow 110kV substation. The substation is also expected to be equipped with one 31.5MVA 110/38kV

transformer. There is a 35MW ECP-2.1 solar farm being processed at Ballyragget 110kV substation.

12. Existing and Planned Network and Generation in Kilkenny -Continued

There are also a number of 38kV substations that are in county Kilkenny but are fed from 110kV substations outside of the

county. Bagenalstown 38kV substation is connected on a 38kV circuit between Goresbridge and Carlow 110kV substation. There

is approximately 36.8MW of connected and contracted generation associated with Carlow 110kV substation. There were two

ECP-1 projects with live connection offers at the Carlow node totalling 19MW, it is unclear if these offers were accepted. In

addition to this generation there are two solar farms totalling 9.9MW and a 6MW windfarm that are being processed in the

ECP-2.1 batch. There are 4 other solar projects eligible for future ECP2 batches at the Carlow node, the estimated combined

size of these projects is 34.8MW. Carlow 110kV substation is equipped with 2 nr. 63MVA 110/38kV transformers.

Belview, Granagh and Mount Misery 38kV substations are located close to the Suir River in Kilkenny but are normally fed from

Waterford 110kV substation. Rosbercon 38kV substation is located in Kilkenny on the outskirts of New Ross and is also

connected on a 38kV loop from Waterford 110kV substation and Great Island 220kV substation. There is approximately

23.1MW of connected and contracted generation associated with Waterford 110kV substation. There is 1 solar project eligible

for future ECP batches at the Waterford node, the estimated size of this project is 4.95MW. Waterford 110kV substation is

equipped with 2 nr. 63MVA 110/38kV transformers. Please see Figures 9-11 for reference.

There is also a 38kV substation named Blanchfield that is in Kilkenny but is connected to Thurles 110kV substation in Tipperary.

This substation was constructed to connect wind generation. As Thurles substation has currently no capacity for new

generation, Blanchfield substations not been considered further in this review.

13. Single Line Diagram of Kilkenny 110kV Substation

110kV

63MVA 110/38kV DSO Transformer

To Great Island110kV substation(Co. Waterford)

To Kellis220kV substation

(Co. Carlow)

38kV

63MVA 110/38kV DSO Transformer

Circuit BreakerKilkenny

110kV Substation

38kV 38kV

38kV

Callan Ballyhale McDonagh

38kV

Purcells Inch

38kV

Goresbridge

To Ballyragget110kV substation

• This is the single line diagram (SLD) for the Kilkenny 110kV node, including 38kV substations fed from the substation. The

110kV circuit to Ballyragget is a planned 110kV circuit but is expected to be completed in the next 2-3 years.

Rosehill

Talbots Inch

Graiguenamanagh

Bagenalstown

Figure 6: Kilkenny 110kV Node Existing and Planned Network

Figure 7: Kilkenny 110kV Node Existing and Planned Network and Committed Generation

Figure 8: Kilkenny 110kV Node Existing and Planned Network and Future Generation

Figure 9: South Kilkenny 38kV Network

Figure 10: South Kilkenny 38kV Network and Existing and Committed Generation

Figure 11: South Kilkenny 38kV Network and Future Generation

14. 110kV Transformer Calculation Methodology

Non-Firm Access Connections for Distribution Connected Distributed Generators

• In Ireland most 110kV substations are equipped with two 110kV transformers. ESB

Networks’ current planning standards assume that one of these transformers is not

available, for example due to maintenance, when calculating the available capacity in

a substation. This is known as the N-1 (Normal-1) policy which ensures that there is

redundancy on both 38kV and MV networks.

• For example in Kilkenny 110kV substation the combined rating of the transformers is

126MVA however using the N-1 policy only one 63MVA transformer can be

considered in the calculation. The same policy is implemented at 38kV substations

with two transformers.

• ESB Networks have been investigating over the last 2-3 years whether the second

transformer in the substation could be used for generator connections. These are

known as NFA (Non-Firm Access) connections. In this scenario a generator could

connect to the second transformer and if there is an issue with that transformer then

the generator will be turned off until it has been resolved.

• ESB published a guide to NFA connections in September 2020. Initially NFA is only

being made available at a small number of substations but it is hoped later in the

decade it will be rolled out at more substations.

• Any substation in the proposed study area where a NFA connection is possible has

been accounted for in this review.

https://www.esbnetworks.ie/docs/default-source/publications/doc-190220-fot-non-firm-access-for-distribution-connected-distributed-generators.pdf?sfvrsn=9b9501f0_0

15. Transformer Capacity at the Kilkenny node substations

Table 3: Available 110/38kV transformer Capacity in Kilkenny 110kV substation.

• Table 3 below outlines the available capacity on the 110/38kV transformers in Kilkenny considering varying amounts of

generation.

• There appears to be capacity available on the 110/38kV transformers in Kilkenny after all of the generation has been

considered for future generation.

• The 50-60MW solar farm in planning 4km south of Kilkenny and the 80-90MW windfarm near Ballyhale and are assumed to

be a transmission projects and as such have not been considered in this transformer calculation.

• It should be noted that there may be additional projects in planning or with planning consent in the area that have not been

included in this calculation.

• Currently connections at 110/38kV substations are not viable for a community project (5MW or less) due to the high cost of

connecting at these voltages.

Project Name Technology MEC 38kV Substation StatusMinimum

Demand(MW)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,

Contracted,ECP-1)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,

Contracted,ECP-1,ECP-

2.1)

Transformer

Capacity(All

Generation)

Ballytobin Biogas (1) (BEOFS) Biogas 0.18 Callan Connected

Nicholas Mosse Small Hydro 0.029 Purcells Inch Connected

Ormond Mills Hydro (1) Small Hydro 0.05 Purcells Inch Connected

Bleach Green Elec Hydro (1) Small Hydro 0.075 Talbots Inch Connected

Ballytobin Solar PV Solar 4 Callan Contracted

Castlekelly Solar PV Farm Solar 4 Goresbridge Contracted

Knocktopher Solar Solar 4.00 Ballyhale ECP-2.1

Clashmagrath PV Solar 4.99 Goresbridge ECP-2.1

Keatingstown Solar Fam Solar 6 Talbots Inch ECP-2.1

Derrynahinch & Kiltorcan Solar 15.00 Ballyhale Planned Project

8.3

8.3

23.3

38.3

Sionhermitage BESS Battery Storage 80

Castlebanny WF Wind 84.00

Clashwilliam Solar Farm Solar 56.44

254156.319.1

Total

Subtotal Connected, Contracted,ECP-1 and ECP-2.1

Subtotal Connected, Contracted and ECP-1

Subtotal Connected and Contracted

16. Ballyhale 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Ballyhale

Feeding 110kV Substation Kilkenny

Number of Transformers & MVA Rating 2x5

Transformer Configuration T42(10kV)

Secondary Voltage Level 10kV & 20kV

Connected Generation(MW) 0.0

Contracted Generation(MW) 0.0

ECP-1 Generation(MW) 0.0

ECP-2.1 Generation(MW) 0.0

Planned Generation(MW) 0.0

Total Generation(MW) 0.0

Available Firm Capacity(ESB)(MW) 5.4

Available Non-Firm Capacity(ESB)(MW) 3.3

Available Capacity(MG)(MW)(Connected,

Contracted, Live)0.0

Available Capacity(MG)(MW)(All

Generation)0.0

Risk of Chargeable Transformer UpgradesHigh

Risk of 38kV Network Upgrades High

Development Potential Low

Comment

There does not appear to be capacity at this

substation for new generation.There are multiple

solar farms associated with Ballyhale 38kV

substation. There is 1x4MW solar project that was

successful in the ECP-2.1 batch at Ballyhale and an

additional 15MW of planned solar generation at

the substation.

17. Callan 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Callan



Transformer Configuration T41∥T42(10kV)

Secondary Voltage Level 10kV












Generation)1.1

Risk of Chargeable Transformer UpgradesModerate



Comment

There is a 4MW community project currently

associated with the substation. Potential for 1MW

project connecting to Callan or on MV network

supplied by Callan. With the addition of solar

generation at Callan and Ballyhale the capacity on

the 38kV loop is considered low.

18. Capacity on 38kV Loop to Ballyhale & Callan Substations

• As outlined previously Callan and Ballyhale are connected on

a 38kV loop out of Kilkenny 110kV substation as is shown in

Figure 12.

• As a general rule of thumb a 38kV loop circuit can

accommodate c.20MW’s of generation before the thermal

capacity and voltage rise along the circuit becomes a

limitation on the network.

• The total existing or planned generation at Callan and

Ballyhale 38kV substation is currently estimated at 23.2MW.

• Therefore it is likely that a future projects connecting to this

section of the 38kV network will be required to uprate the

existing 38kV network.

• There is a 4MW MEC community-led solar project

connecting into Callan 38kV substation.Figure 12: 38kV Loop to Ballyhale & Callan Substations

19. Goresbridge 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Goresbridge
















Generation)0.0


Risk of 38kV Network Upgrades Low/moderate


Comment


substation for new generation.

20. Graiguenamanagh 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Graiguenamanagh
















Generation)1.7

Risk of Chargeable Transformer UpgradesLow

Risk of 38kV Network Upgrades Low/moderate

Development Potential Moderate

Comment

Potential for small project to connect to 2MVA

transformers. Due to generation upstream at

Goresbridge and at Bagnalstown the risk of 38kV

network upgrades is considered low/moderate.

21. McDonagh 38kV Substation

38kV Substation McDonagh



Transformer Configuration T42 & T41(10kV)













Generation)8.4


Risk of 38kV Network Upgrades Low

Development Potential Low/Moderate

Comment

Potential to connect a project to the 10MVA

transformer in the substation however the

substation is located within Kilkenny City. There is

still potential for rooftop installations in Kilkenny

city.

22. Purcells Inch 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Purcells Inch


Number of Transformers & MVA Rating 1x5,1x10

Transformer Configuration T42&T41(10kV)













Generation)7.0



Development Potential High

Comment

Potential to connect a project to the 5MVA and

10MVA transformer in the substation. Substation is

located on outskirts of Kilkenny City

23. Rosehill 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Rosehill
















Generation)8.7




Comment


transformer in the substation. Substation is located

on the outskirts of Kilkenny City

24. Talbots Inch 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Talbots Inch
















Generation)0.0




Comment


substation for new generation.

25. Transformer Capacity at Carlow 110kV Substation

Table 4: Available 110/38kV transformer Capacity in Carlow 110kV substation.

• Table 4 below outlines the available capacity on the 110/38kV transformers in Carlow considering varying amounts of generation.

• There appears to be no available capacity on the 110/38kV transformers in Carlow after all of the generation has been considered.

• Carlow is equipped with 2x63MVA transformers which is the largest 110/38kV transformer in ESB’s standards, as a result they cannot be uprated.

• Therefore some of the generation planning to connect to a 38kV substation fed from Carlow may have to connect directly to a new 110kV transformer

in Carlow 110kV substation in the future.

• Until more information is available from ESB on how they plan to connect the ECP-2.1 and future generation at Carlow it is difficult to determine the

available capacity on the existing transformers in Carlow substation.

• It should be noted that there may be additional projects in or with planning in the area that have not been included in this calculation.


Demand(MW)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,

Contracted,ECP-1)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,


2.1)

Transformer

Capacity(All

Generation)

Avonmore Foods Hydro (1) Small Hydro 0.11 Bagnalstown Connected

Ballon Wind Wind 0.499 Bagnalstown Connected

Gortahile 1 Wind 21 Graigue Connected

Strongstream Electric Hydro (1) Small Hydro 0.38 Graigue Connected

Ballynultagh Windfarm Wind 0.499 Shillelagh Connected

Cronelea Upper Wind 2.55 Shillelagh Connected

Cronelea Upper (2) Wind 1.7 Shillelagh Connected

Cronelea 1 Wind 4.99 Tullow Connected

Cronelea 2 Wind 4.5 Tullow Connected

Tullow Mushroom Growers Ltd Wind 0.133 Tullow Connected

Muine Bheag Wind Wind 0.5 Bagnalstown Contracted

Kilcarrig Solar Solar 4 Bagnalstown ECP-1 Live

Bilboa Wind Farm Wind 15 N/A ECP-1 Live

Loan PV Solar 4.99 Castlecomer ECP-2.1

Bilboa Wind Farm Ext. Wind 6 Graigue ECP-2.1

Farm Power Generation Solar 5 Tullow ECP-2.1

Ardenhue PV Solar 4.99 Pollerton Planned Project

Johnstown Solar farm Solar 10.00 N/A Planned Project

Friarstown Solar Park Solar 11.40 N/A Planned Project

Friarstown/Tullow Solar 8.45 Pollerton Planned Project

36.9

55.9

71.9

106.7

0




Total

20.3 12.1 0

26. Bagenalstown 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Bagnalstown

Feeding 110kV Substation Carlow















Generation)0.6


Risk of 38kV Network Upgrades Moderate


Comment


substation for new generation. The available

capacity on the 38kV network may be limited.

27. Transformer Capacity at Waterford 110kV Substation

Table 5: Available 110/38kV transformer Capacity in Waterford 110kV substation.

• Table 5 below outlines the available capacity on the 110/38kV transformers in Waterford considering different amounts of generation.

• There appears to be available capacity on the existing transformers in Waterford 110kV substation for future generation.

• However some parts of the 38kV network in Kilkenny that is fed from Waterford appear to be saturated with existing generation. This will be

explained in greater detail in the following sections.


Demand(MW)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,

Contracted,ECP-1)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,


2.1)

Transformer

Capacity(All

Generation)

Benedict Behal Hydro (1) Small Hydro 0.083 Granagh Connected

Kilmacow Mill - Behal Small Hydro 0.023 Granagh Connected

Michael Aylward Wind 0.5 Mount Misery Connected

Ballymartin (2) Wind 8.28 Rosbercon Connected

Ballymartin Smithstown Wind 6 Rosbercon Connected

Rahora Wind 4.25 Rosbercon Connected

Curraghmartin Solar Park Solar 3.99 Granagh Contracted

Farranmacedmond Solar Farm Solar 4.35 Granagh Planned Project

23.1

23.1

23.1

27.5



Total

36414129.6


28. Rosbercon 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Rosbercon

Feeding 110kV Substation Waterford

Number of Transformers & MVA Rating 1x2,1x5, 1x10


Secondary Voltage Level 10kV & 20kV












Generation)1.0




Comment

Potential for 1MW project connecting to

Rosbercon but the risk of 38kV network upgrades

for a project connecting here are considered high.

29. Rosbercon 38kV Loop

• Similar to Callan and Ballyhale 38kV substations, Rosbercon and New

Ross 38kV substations are connected on a 38kV loop fed from

Waterford 110kV substation as shown in Figure 13.

• As a general rule of thumb a 38kV loop circuit can accommodate

c.20MW’s of generation before the thermal capacity and voltage rise

along the circuit becomes a limitation on the network.

• The total existing or planned generation at Rosbercon 38kV substation

is currently estimated at 18.5MW.

• Therefore it is likely that a future projects connecting to this section of

the 38kV network will be required to uprate the existing 38kV network.

Figure 13: 38kV Loop to Rosbercon and New Ross

30. Belview 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Belview
















Generation)12.8




Comment


transformer in the substation.

31. Mount Misery 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Mount Misery
















Generation)7.3




Comment



32. Granagh 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Granagh
















Generation)0.0

Risk of Chargeable Transformer UpgradesModerate



Comment


substation for new generation as there is a solar

farm with consented planning in the area.

33. Transformer Capacity at Ballyragget 110kV Substation

Table 6: Available 110/38kV transformer Capacity in Ballyragget 110kV substation.

• Table 6 below outlines the available capacity on the planned 110/38kV transformers in Ballyragget considering different amounts of generation.

• It is assumed that once the substation is complete the existing project at Glanbia and the windfarm will be normally fed from Ballyragget 110kV

substation.

• There is a large ECP-2.1 solar farm adjacent to the substation. It is possible that this project gets planning for additional MW’s and connects at 110kV

to Ballyragget thereby allowing for more generation to connect to the 31.5MVA transformers in the substation.

• There appears to be available capacity on the planned transformer in Ballyragget 110kV substation for future generation.

• It should be noted that there may be additional projects in planning or with planning consent in the area that have not been included in this

calculation.

• It is expected that once the substation is complete Castlecomer 38kV substation will be fed from Ballyragget. The existing 38kV compound at

Ballyragget has also been considered in this review.


Demand(MW)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,

Contracted,ECP-1)

Transformer

Capacity(Connected,


2.1)

Transformer

Capacity(All

Generation)

Glanbia Nat. Gas 7.5 Ballyconra Connected

INCH HYDRO Small Hydro 0.042 N/A Connected

Lisdowney Wind 9.2 Ballyconra Connected

16.7

16.7

16.7

16.7

Parksgrove Solar Farm Solar 35.00 N/A ECP-2.1




Total

10.810.810.81.7

34. Castlecomer 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Castlecomer

Feeding 110kV Substation Ballyragget















Generation)0.0




Comment


substation for new generation. The ECP-2.1 solar

farm at this substation will affectively take all of

the available capacity on the 38/10kV

transformers. MullanGrid understand that this part

of the 38kV network is saturated.

35. Ballyragget 38kV Substation

38kV Substation Ballyragget
















Generation)4.1



Development Potential Moderate

Comment



36. EirGrid’s Tomorrow Energy Scenario (TES) Systems Analysis 2019

• The recently published 2019 TES System Needs Analysis provided information on thecapacity of the transmission system in 2030 under a number of scenarios. EirGridwill use this information to identify areas of the transmission system that needreinforcements.

• MullanGrid have analysed one of the scenarios in EirGrid’s TES report that achievethe 2030 70% RES-E target. The Coordinated Action scenario is a high onshore windscenario with approximately 4000MW of new onshore wind, 1800MW of offshorewind and 2000MW of solar generation assumed. This scenario also has relativelyhigh levels of electrification of heat and transport.

• The overloads on the 110kV network in the Kilkenny region for the CoordinatedAction and scenario mapped in Figure 14. The scenario indicates low/moderateoverloads on the transmission network in the region. This is positively showing thetransmission network in Co. Kilkenny has capacity for additional generation.

36. EirGrid Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios (Contd)

Figure 14: TES Analysis: Coordinated Action 110 kV overloads for the South East

37. Southeast Area H2 ECP-1 Constraint Report• EirGrid dispatch down the output of generation if the local

transmission network is being overloaded, this is referred to as constraints.

• EirGrid have recently completed constraint analysis for the ECP-1 generators. The analysis is presented in reports for projects located in Area H2, see Figure 15.

• The analysis is focussed on ECP-1 and all preceding connected and contracted generation, and therefore does not account for post ECP-1 generation.

• The analysis only covered a relatively short timeframe of 2020-2022. However EirGrid also included a “Future Grid” scenario that included transmission reinforcements likely to happen in the 2022 to 2030 period.

• There are multiple scenarios included in the EirGrid reports. MullanGrid have presented the results of scenarios in the years 2020, 2022 and ‘Future Grid’. The inputs to the scenarios are displayed in Table 7.

• Initial 2020 – connected generation and network upgrades completed up to 2020.

• 2022 All - all contracted and ECP-1 generation connected in 2022, with only limited changes to the existing transmission system. It is probably the most onerous scenario and generally shows the highest constraints. Results are presented for 33%, 66% and 100% build out of all planned contracted and ECP1 generation.

• Future Grid - all contracted and ECP-1 generation connected but with planned upgrades to the transmission system complete.

• The results from these scenarios indicate low levels of constraints in 2020 and 2022, with no constraints in the Future Grid scenario.

Figure 15: EirGrid Area H2

Initial 2020 2022 All Future Grid

Generation

-Connected Generation up to 2020

-All Gate 3 -All Non-GPA -All ECP1

-All Gate 3 -All Non-GPA -All ECP1

Demand -2020 Demand (32.2 TWh)

-2022 Demand (36.2 TWh)

-2022 Demand (36.2 TWh)

Interconnection -Moyle: 255/210 MW -EWIC: 530 MW

-Moyle: 210/138 MW -EWIC: 530 MW

-Moyle: 500 MW -EWIC: 530 MW -Celtic: 700 MW -Greenlink: 500 MW

DS3 Programme

-SNSP: 75% -RoCoF: 1Hz/Sec -Inertia: 17,500 MWs -Large Generator Must Run: ROI 5, NI 3

-SNSP: 75% -RoCoF: 1Hz/Sec -Inertia: 17,500 MWs -Large Generator Must Run: ROI 5, NI 3

-SNSP: 80% -RoCoF: 1Hz/Sec -Inertia: 17,500 MWs -Large Generator Must Run: ROI 4, NI 2 -Reserve provided from alternative sources

Table 7 - EirGrid constraint reports input scenarios

38. EirGrid’s ECP1 Constraint Solar Projections

Figure 16: Constraints in the 2022 All Scenario-Solar

39. EirGrid’s ECP1 Constraint Wind Projections

Figure 17: Constraints in the 2022 All Scenario-Wind

40. Summary of County Kilkenny Grid Potential (Table)

38kV

Substation

Feeding

110kV

Substation

Number of

Transforme

rs & MVA

Rating

Transformer

Configuration

Secondary

Voltage

Level

Total

Generation(

MW)

Available Firm

Capacity(ESB)

(MW)

Available

Capacity(MG)(

MW)

Risk of

Chargeable

Transformer

Upgrades

Risk of 38kV

Network

Upgrades

Potential for

Non-Firm

Access

Connection

Development

Potential

Purcells Inch Kilkenny 1x5,1x10 T42&T41(10kV) 10kV 5.11 7.000 7 Low Low Yes High

Rosehill Kilkenny 2x10 T42&T41(10kV) 10kV 19.00 11.947 8.7 Low Low Yes High

Belview Waterford 2x15 T421&T422(20kV) 20kV 4.99 18.216 12.8 Low Moderate Yes High

Mount Misery Waterford 2x10 T41&T42(10kV) 10kV 6.08 10.600 7.3 Low Moderate Yes High

Graiguenama

naghKilkenny 2x2 T41∥T42(10kV) 10kV 0.00 1.836 1.7 Low Low/moderate No Moderate

Ballyragget Kilkenny 1x5 T42(10kV) 10kV 0.00 5.718 4.1 Low Low No Moderate

McDonagh Kilkenny 2x10 T42 & T41(10kV) 10kV 8.44 11.689 8.4 Low Low Yes Low/Moderate

Granagh Waterford 2x5 T41∥T42(10kV) 10kV 8.99 1.739 0 Moderate Moderate No Low

Bagenalstown Carlow 2x5 T41∥T42(10kV) 10kV 0.12 0.869 0.6 High Moderate No Low

Ballyhale Kilkenny 2x5 T42(10kV)10kV &

20kV0.00 5.395 0 High High No Low

Callan Kilkenny 2x5 T41∥T42(10kV) 10kV 0.50 1.569 1.1 Moderate High No Low

Castlecomer Ballyragget 2x5 T41∥T42(10kV) 10kV 0.00 5.947 0 High High No Low

Goresbridge Kilkenny 2x5 T41∥T42(10kV) 10kV 0.00 1.940 0 High Low/moderate No Low

Talbots Inch Kilkenny 2x5 T41∥T42(10kV) 10kV 4.18 5.788 0 High Low No Low

Rosbercon Waterford1x2,1x5,

1x10T41(10kV)

10kV &

20kV18.53 1.349 1 High High No Low

40. Summary of County Kilkenny Grid Potential (Map)

Figure 18: Summary of Grid Potential

Kilkenny County Grid Review

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