A Powerful Challenge
Achieving a green grid for a green island
Foreword and Summary
Status
Issues
Options
Recommendations
May 2009
Foreword and Summary
Our policy statement addresses the challenges related to implementing a new strategy for the
development of Ireland’s electricity grid: to underpin economic revival and future progress, to allow for
much greater integration of renewable energy sources into our grid and to benefit consumers by
stimulating greater competition in electricity pricing, through increased interconnection with other
European energy markets.
Our statement synthesises the diverse experience and information we have gathered since North East
Pylon Pressure began its campaign in favour of underground cables as the appropriate technology for
the transmission of high voltage electricity in Ireland. Our policy position is informed and underpinned
by robust research and analysis by reputable international consultants and is in line with the emerging
best practice in other countries. It has been refined, too, by carefully listening to and considering the
questions and issues raised by local and national politicians and by representative groups. Fairminded
public representatives and representative organisations have shown that they are keen to understand
the issues and to adopt a reasonable way forward, once they are convinced that undergrounding is
feasible, affordable and attainable within a reasonable timescale.
This statement charts the way forward for everyone on this issue. It recommends:

The establishment of an All-Party Electricity Infrastructure Committee

A specific analysis of the expert reports and technical arguments on Underground cables versus
Overhead lines and pylons

A re-evaluation of current national voluntary compliance levels for Electro Magnetic Fields
(EMF)

Implementation of the 2007 Experts Report to Government on EMF

A commercial tendering process for all projects related to electricity transmission infrastructure
Further Information:
North East Pylon Pressure,
PO Box 106,
Navan,
County Meath.
Tel:
085 28 11 285
E-Mail: info@www.pylonpressure.ie
Web site: www.pylonpressure.ie
Status
Europe
Europe’s power system, including its network infrastructure, has to be planned, built and operated for
the consumers it will serve. The need for a strengthened policy to facilitate the completion of priority
infrastructure projects was underlined by the EU Heads of State and Government in October 20051. The
EU plans to invest, before 2013, at least €49 Billion on electricity infrastructure alone, including €6
Billion outlined in the Trans European Networks – Energy (TEN-E ) guidelines. It is recognised that
development of renewable energy resources will further increase the pressure for better developed
transmission network capacities both within and between Member States.
Ireland
In January 2008, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources published the ‘AllIsland Grid Study’, outlining an aspirational plan, to generate an unprecedented 42% of our electricity
from renewable resources, especially wind and tidal energy. For the plan to be economic, the price of a
barrel of oil must be at least $200. The ability to achieve this receivables target, however, requires a
major upgrading of the electricity transmission network, with an estimated investment cost of €10
Billion. Significantly, the requirement to transmit the energy generated mainly along the Atlantic
seaboard of the South West and West over to the East of the country would involve the construction,
using large c.40 metre high pylons, of an additional 1,150km of extra high voltage lines. A further 2,300
km of existing high voltage transmission would require an increase in their physical size and/or power
levels. Additionally, an increase of 5,000 km of distribution overhead lines would be required.
In October 2008 EirGrid, using the All-island Grid Study aspirations, outlined a €4 Billion plan that could
profoundly change the landscape of our countryside by massively increasing the number of pylons and
overhead electricity lines in almost every County (Fig 1).
Grid 25 includes the two major projects already proposed
for the North-East, namely the 60km Meath-Cavan 400kV
power line project and the 80km Cavan- Tyrone
Interconnector project. On 7th April 2009 EirGrid announced
their Preferred Pylons Routes for both projects: Route
3B for Meath-Cavan and Route A for Cavan-Tyrone.
Ireland is in a unique position. In contrast to other
countries, we have not yet been subjected to a blight
of pylons across our countryside, although this is now
proposed by EirGrid. Careful, objective evaluation
of all of the factors and consequences of this
damaging proposal is required.
Fig 1: Grid 25 plans
Issues
Europe
In 2007, the EU recognised that progress in the development of electricity networks is insufficient and
significant obstacles remain. The analysis conducted by the Commission Services1 unearthed various
shortcomings:
1. Twenty of the 32 main electricity infrastructure projects face delays. This is in stark contrast to
the main gas projects, where no significant delays have been reported.
2. The reasons for delays in ten of the eleven top priority electricity projects includes the common
theme of opposition from the local populations for health/EMF, environmental and visual
intrusion reasons.
To this end, the Commission considers that ‘it is vital to reduce the planning and construction time for
prioritised EU infrastructure, in a way that duly takes into account environmental, safety and health
concerns.’
Ireland
North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) is the overall representative group of the people of the North East,
who have built a case and made recommendations to Government to adopt the progressive,
environmentally and socially acceptable alternative of using underground cables instead of giant pylons
and overhead lines. This campaign is representative of the other campaigns that have or will continue to
occur in relation to local population preferences for underground cables rather than overhead lines.
Analysis of the rationale for the trenchant public/stakeholders’ opposition highlights the following
difficulties and shortcomings (see also Appendix 1, Figs 2-3):
The Processes Used
1. There has been no public consultation or involvement in the ‘All-Island Grid Study’, which makes
radical proposals on a significant piece of strategic infrastructure. The decision to base our
future electricity grid on a 42% renewables aspiration, and the consequential significant increase
in proposed overhead lines and pylons has had no public airing or debate. This is unacceptable.
2. The Minister for Energy has handed over the ‘Grid 25’ development strategy to EirGrid as an
‘operational matter’. There has been no third party independent or stakeholder involvement.
This is unacceptable.
3. The Transmission System Operator (TSO) approach to the grid development has been both
biased and blinkered. EirGrid have clearly stated and have shown by their actions that they have
an absolute preference for overhead lines in rural areas. EirGrid have steadfastly refused to take
account of the advantages and benefits of undergrounding, for our environment, for our
landscape and for the communities of the North-East. Instead, they have approached the
projects solely on a one-dimensional engineering basis. EirGrid commissioned a study by their
own long-standing consultants, PB Power, to evaluate and cost all the potential worst-case
technical barriers to undergrounding, but not to examine any of the benefits. Practical route
options for undergrounding were not even considered. This is unacceptable.
Remit of the TSO
There is a significant weakness in the remit of EirGrid. It arises from the undue emphasis on its
responsibility and accountability for technical and engineering aspects of grid performance and
development. It has no formal responsibility or accountability for the environmental and socio-economic
aspects and consequences of grid development. This leads to incomplete and inadequate analyses of
the overall effects of grid development on local populations and indeed the wider public. This is
unacceptable.
Commercial Monopoly
The vast majority of TSO’s across Europe are state-owned. This has given rise to a monopolistic
situation, with compulsory powers of acquisition in many cases. It has resulted in risk aversion and lack
of innovation from a commercial perspective. It has fostered a culture of aggressive and dismissive
attitudes to genuine consumer and public concerns. These attitudes are very evident in EirGrid’s
approach to management of the grid development. This is unacceptable.
Collateral Damage
It is an inescapable fact that that high and extra high voltage power lines and pylons are the most
objectionable form of public utility infrastructure on land. They impose significant negative effects when
established, in relation to visual and environmental impact, land and property devaluation, and health
and safety concerns. Yet, this clear fact is neither addressed by EirGrid, nor factored into its project cost
estimates.
Currently, only landowners who have pylons placed directly on their land are eligible for compensation.
The fact is, that significant numbers of surrounding householders are also negatively affected, but
currently have zero redress. This is unacceptable.
Public Consultation/Engagement
In relation to the two projects proposed for the North-East, EirGrid have failed to adequately engage
with the public or address their many concerns. This is highlighted by a number of their actions:
 Their unwillingness to meet the public in the initial stages after the route corridor
announcements.
 The persistently misleading claims made to the public in relation to undergrounding costs
for the North-East projects, which have no basis in fact.
 The broken commitments made to NEPP in relation to both technical and non-technical
discussion fora. Additionally, the inaccurate and misleading statements made to the press in
relation to discussions with NEPP and ASKON.
 The disrespectful treatment meted out to Professor Noack, a leading expert on
undergrounding cable technologies. This is unacceptable behaviour from an organ of the
State.
Unless they are dissuaded from this objectionable behaviour, EirGrid will try to replicate it in
all the other counties affected by their Grid25 Report.
Quality of Work
There is a fundamental issue of public confidence and trust concerning EirGrid’s research, reports and
statements in relation to the North-South projects. Examples include:
 Numerous basic errors in their constraints reports
 Misleading claims about underground costs in press releases and published documents
 Numerous basic errors in their choice of emerging preferred routes, including the proposed
placement of pylons. This is unacceptable.
Options
The depth and breadth of issues outlined highlights the low likelihood of making constructive progress in
upgrading the national grid in a realistic timeframe using the traditional confrontational and exclusive
approaches with local populations and relying on pylons. Fresh thinking allied with a new mindset is
required. NEPP proposes the following options:
Assume Political Responsibility
It is incumbent on all elected representatives, but particularly those in Government, to assume
responsibility for resolving the issues related to advancing the grid network. There should be no
abdication of responsibility, as countenanced by Minister Ryan, to default strategic decisions solely to
the TSO. EirGrid’s role should be that of servant to, rather than masters of, the political process.
Examine Practices in Other EU Countries
These grid development challenges are not unique to Ireland. Other countries are addressing them in an
objective and inclusive manner and are achieving progress. Denmark, in particular, is a relevant
example, given its similar renewable resource objectives to Ireland. Faced with strong political and local
opposition to proposed new overhead lines in 2007, the Danish transmission system operator,
Energinet, commissioned a high level technical study including representatives of both local and national
government departments to examine grid development and make recommendations. The result is a
sound, scientifically-based political consensus across all the major parties in Denmark that rules out the
construction of any new overhead 400 kV lines where these do not already exist.
Energinet is rolling out a number of major activities, including the testing and planning of the first long
400kV AC cable in Denmark, and a general national cable action plan for the existing regional 132/150
kV grids, which will outline how the regional transmission grids can be undergrounded in the next few
years.
Independently Review the ASKON Reports and Recommendations
A significant body of work2 specific to the North-South projects and directly relevant to the future Irish
grid development has been produced by Professor Friedhelm Noack, a leading expert in both overhead
line and underground cable technologies. This has yet to be objectively examined by independent
expertise, who have no vested interests in current projects. Based on his research and the ASKON
Reports Professor Noack has recently been invited to be a working member of the International Council
of Large Electric Systems (CIGRE). The EU Commission has also published a report3, outlining the
benefits and potential of undergrounding (Appendix 2, Table 5).
Engage with Industry Expertise
The monopolistic dominance by State companies of all strategic decisions, responsibilities and actions in
relation to electricity infrastructure is unhealthy. It needs to be tackled by at least broadening out the
discussion to include private industry. The Grid 25 Report, for instance, fails to even mention the
approval of the Commission for Energy Regulation of an East-West interconnector being developed by a
commercial company (Imera/Oceanteam) PRIOR to EirGrid’s own well heralded and promoted approval.
There needs to be a culture and a process of tendering out all commercial projects related to strategic
infrastructure, rather than defaulting to the State organisation.
Recommendations
Establish an All-Party Electricity Infrastructure Committee
The remit of the committee will be to evaluate and agree on the principles for future expansion of the
transmission grid, taking into account the following parameters:
 Technical and affordability issues, including feasibility
 Environmental and landscape/visual aspects
 Socio-economic and public-related issues
 Impact on consumer electricity prices
The all-party committee would engage the appropriate expertise to address the above parameters
outlined. The expertise would include relevant international technical experience, commercial
experience, and and appropriate TSO representation. Public stakeholder representatives affected
directly by grid development proposals should be at all times accommodated in a proportionate
manner, so that constructive progress can be made. The Committee’s objective would be to make
consensus-based recommendations, within a reasonable timeframe, on a new national policy for grid
renewal and development.
Specific Analysis of Underground versus Overhead Reports and Arguments
A number of technical reports exist on this subject, with differing conclusions and recommendations. A
suitable independent forum with appropriate independent expertise is required to hear and evaluate
these arguments and determine their suitability and applicability to the Irish Grid. This has not been
done in an objective manner by the Irish TSO.
Re-Evaluate current Compliance levels for Public Health & Safety, Confidence and Acceptance
Ireland’s current voluntary safety and health compliance levels in relation to electricity transmission
infrastructure, as practised by EirGrid, are the lowest in Europe. In some other countries within the EU,
acceptable distances from extra high voltage overhead lines are set eight-fold further away from
dwellings than in Ireland. Safety levels in terms of EMF emissions in some EU countries are set 250-fold
more sensitive than in Ireland. These aspects are relevant to the public, irrespective of whether
overhead lines or underground cables are involved. The low levels set by EirGrid are a major obstacle in
terms of public trust and confidence.
Implement Recommendations of 2007 Government Report on EMF
There is widespread stress and anxiety related to people’s concerns regarding the health effects from
extra high voltage lines. The Government has failed to act on any of the recommendations of a major
report by the Expert Group on Health Effects of Electro Magnetic Fields. Implementation of the
recommendations of this report, published in March 2007, is required - including that of giving the
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland the necessary powers to become the single agency managing
EMF issues, backed up by a high-powered Scientific Advisory Committee, and a Policy Coordination
Committee.
Appendix 1
Fig. 2: Diagrammatic representation of current imbalanced and dysfunctional infrastructure process
Fig 3: Diagrammatic representation of proposed balanced and functional infrastructure process
Appendix 2
References
1
‘Priority Interconnection Plan – Communication from the Commission to the Council and the
European Parliament’. COM (2006)846, 2007.
2
Study on the Comparative Merits of Overhead Lines and Underground Cables as 400 Kv
Transmission lines for the North-South Interconnector Project. F Noack, U.Hass, ASKON
Consulting Group, 2008
3
‘Undergrounding of Electricity Lines in Europe’. Commission of the European Communities
Background Paper, 2003.