Automated assessment of Ireland’s HV distribution network forecasted capacity

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in the UK and Ireland, members of the Energy Networks Association (ENA), must publish a Network Development Plan (NDP) every two years, as part of the 2022 Open Networks programme [1]. The NDP gives customers and stakeholders transparency on Network constraints and planned reinforcements. Additionally, the EU’s Electricity Market Design Directive recently adopted text which mandates DNOs to offer non-firm, flexible connection agreements in constrained areas while prioritising Network reinforcements [2]. The Network System Services (NSS) Group in ESB Engineering and Major Projects was tasked by ESB Networks (ESBN) to develop capacity workbooks that provide a comprehensive view of Network reinforcement impacts under four load growth scenarios. The capacity workbooks enable a data-driven connection application process, offering insights into Ireland’s Distribution network capacity thus meeting both the ENA and EU Directive requirements. This paper discusses how the NSS Group utilised PSS®Sincal, Python and Microsoft Excel to create the demand and generation capacity workbooks. Also presented is an analysis of the capacity results, focusing on substations which showcase capacity increases due to future reinforcement projects.