ESB opens new control centre
A new control centre has been launched by ESB Networks in South Dublin. The state-of-the-art centre was opened by Alex White TD, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The advantages of the new centre include the fact that safety will be enhanced by the central management of electricity flows. This will mean that, after power outages and storms, it will be easier to restore power more quickly.
Costing €4m to construct, the centre is one of the most advanced in Europe. Global utility companies have also been studying the control centre, as they look at the best way of upgrading their own facilities.
ESB’s Networks and International and Ink Design, a French design company, were responsible for designing the centre.
In the control room, to aid the monitoring of the networks, will be a high resolution video wall. This is expected to be particularly useful when widespread faults affect the system.
Minister White spoke at the launch of how Ireland has been placed “firmly at the forefront” when it comes to smart grid development. He added that this development means that Ireland can now benefit from the system-wide way energy can be managed, and that existing Irish customers will feel the benefit.
He also added, “As well as bringing benefits for existing Irish customers, it will increase Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for overseas business.”
ESB Chief Executive Pat O’Doherty added to Minister White’s comments, saying that the introduction of low carbon generation technologies, together with more unpredictable weather, was making the electricity network “increasingly complex” in terms of management.
Mr. O’Doherty sees the new control centre as being able to handle electricity flows in a more safe way, and with greater efficiently also. He also sees ESB customers benefiting, as his company’s service will improve as a result of its “deploying new technologies”.
