Chapter 5 LO7 Benefits of SMART Grid

Question 1

What is an interconnector

Answer 1

An electrical cable joining 2 countries together, facilitates 1 nation exporting energy to another

Question 2

List and describe 2 interconnectors that exist between the Irish SEM Grid and GB

Answer 2

Egrid interconnector between ROI and Wales via a 500MW cable

Greenlink interconnector between ROI and South Wales to become live in 2023 will enable 500MW of power to be transferred

Question 3

State 2 Economic benefits of a SMART Grid with nations in Europe interconnected

Answer 3

1. Enables nations to import energy from other nations. This will mean more competition for business, which will drive down consumer costs.
2. Nations and regions fuel security is increased, EU member states will be less reliant on volatile fossil fuel prices in the years ahead

Question 4

State 2 Environmental benefits of a SMART Grid with nations in Europe interconnected

Answer 4

1. Electrical energy production from renewables from 1 nation can be transported to other nations when production exceeds demands(Excess energy). Importing nation then consumes fewer fossil fuels and so there is less emission of greenhouse gas
2. Connections to nations such as Norway Facilities storage of renewable energy by pumped hydro. They can then be used when required EU nations connected together. This decreases quantity of fossil fuels being used and reduces emission of greenhouse gases

Question 5

Describe how Ireland’s fuel security can be increased further in the years ahead

Answer 5

They can sell excess wind energy to countries which lack in this particular energy source. This is an option due to Ireland having high amounts of wind energy which could also be cheap depending on how much there is.