EirGrid is the independent electricity Transmission System
Operator (TSO) for the Republic of Ireland. The Transmission
System, often referred to as “The National Grid”, is a meshed
network of approximately 6,500km of high voltage, 110,000 volts
(110kV), 220,000 volts (220kV) and 400,000 volts (400kV),
overhead lines and underground cables and over 100 transmission
stations. The system can be compared to Ireland’s motorway
network – delivering power to over 100 bulk transfer points or
“nodes” all over Ireland where power can be taken onwards on
lower voltage, distribution system, lines to individual
customers’ premises. Power is generated by power plants and wind
farms throughout the country, utilising a variety of fuel or
energy sources – including gas, oil, coal, peat, hydro, wind and
other sources such as biomass and landfill gas. All of the major
generating plant feed into the national grid and power is
transmitted nationwide. This design ensures that power can flow
freely to where it is needed and that i