How Belfast firm is upgrading the city’s power system for its changing energy needs

Belfast is a changing city. Over recent years the growth of Ulster University, the development of the Linen, Titanic and Cathedral Quarters and the expanse of Belfast Harbour have fundamentally changed the requirements of the power system that services the city. In response, SONI is working to transform the system to meet these requirements through our Energising Belfast project.

SONI, the electricity system operator for Northern Ireland, manages the transmission system, or the ‘Grid’ as it is better known, to bring electricity to every part of Northern Ireland. From our control centre, we manage the electricity grid to ensure that power can flow safely, securely, and reliably from where it is generated to where it is needed.

Beyond managing the Grid in real time, our expert engineers are responsible for planning ahead to ensure our energy infrastructure meets the needs of the future. Energising Belfast is part of planning for the future; crucially, the project will ensure that Belfast City Centre, its people, and its businesses have the clean energy needed to grow in the years ahead.

Read more: Amazon introduce first electric cargo bikes in Northern Ireland

Read more: Belfast City Council makes history by endorsing Plant Based Treaty

As countries across the world move rapidly toward decarbonisation in the fight against climate change, Northern Ireland must continue to do the same. New climate change laws set by the Northern Ireland Assembly require NI to have at least 80% renewable energy generation 2030.

Energising Belfast will not only help NI to reach our climate targets through supporting the city’s transition toward the electrification of heat and transport, but it will also support the aspirations of Belfast City Council’s ‘Belfast Agenda’ by increasing the employment and residential population in the city and help to drive economic development in alignment with the Belfast Region City Deal. A thriving city centre is vital to the prosperity of the entire city and region and SONI are pleased to say that this project will deliver a grid ready to help power Northern Ireland’s energy transition.

The project will involve a new high-capacity underground cable connecting Donegall Main substation (near Broadway roundabout) to substations at Belfast North Main (off Whitla Street) and Belfast Central Main (off Little Patrick Street), as well as the construction of two new substations at new sites nearby to help increase the system’s capacity.

As with all our projects, SONI are committed to keeping communities at the heart of grid development, which is why in the time ahead, our team will continue to engage with the local community, businesses, and elected representatives as we understand that no one knows an area better than those who live and work in it and represent it.

SONI looks forward to delivering this project in collaboration with the local community and our partners NIE Networks. We are determined to develop a power system that meets the growing needs of our city centre today and helps deliver a cleaner energy future for generations to come.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our newsletter.