27 June 2025
The Distribution Network Planning Scenarios report indicates that while the pace of low carbon technology adoption is slower than previously modelled, the trajectory for load growth is clear as we progress towards 2050 meaning investment in the electricity network is critical to enable the journey to Net Zero.
NIE Networks commissioned Regen, as an independent, trusted industry expert, to project the demand and generation connected to the electricity distribution network for the next 25 years.
Engaging with key regional organisations, the policy, market and project development landscape in Northern Ireland was translated into a dataset of network facing capacity projections. A briefing session took place earlier this month with NIE Networks and Regen presenting the latest forecasts to key stakeholders including the Department for the Economy, Department of Finance, Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure and the Utility Regulator. Attendees took the opportunity to examine the detail across the various sectors and discuss the key policy work that will help customers to electrify for a zero carbon future.
Findings from the Regen report show that by 2030, in Northern Ireland, there could be between:
- 220,000 and 360,000 electric vehicles on the road
- 2.6 GW and 3.4 GW of distributed onshore wind and solar generation capacity
- 500 MW and 750 MW of distributed thermal generation and battery storage capacity.
In light of the anticipatory nature of network investment and development, the Distribution Network Planning Scenarios report provides welcome refinement of the planning scenarios in the journey towards a net zero future. These projections will support NIE Networks’ network investment programmes over the RP7 investment period (2025-2031). By undertaking regular, independent modelling the company can ensure that the network is ready ahead of the market and make best use of the available time to explore other innovative approaches.
Download the Distribution Network Planning Scenarios report using the button below.