ESB Networks
DSO - Ireland
Publication info
| Publication status | Published |
| Access link to GHC publication of the SO | https://www.esbnetworks.ie/services/get-connected/renewable-connection/network-capacity-heatmap |
| Access type | Open |
| Geographical Coverage | Country |
| Spatial granularity | Nodal (substation) – map covers HV/MV substations and MV/LV substations |
| Voltage Level Coverage | DSO maps cover capacity on distribution networks from 110 kV down to 38 kV, 20 kV, 10 kV, and LV. The TSO in Ireland does not publish capacity heatmaps |
| Time Horizon (e.g. Y+1, Y+3 / 202x / snapshot) | Capacity is presented as a snapshot of capacity available at the time of publication. |
| Data Format (Table, Map, etc.) | Map and Table |
| Grid user types covered | Customers, both demand and generation |
| Displayed Capacity Type (e.g. available/requested/reserved/connected etc.) | Available capacity |
| API Availability | Openly available |
| Grid hosting capacity downloadable & format | Excel format |
| Update Frequency | Target is for quarterly releases |
| Available language | National language(s) only |
Hosting capacity assessment
| Capacity type considered for available hosting capacity information (e.g., Firm and/or Flexible) | Firm |
| Description of what firm capacity means | Firm capacity at an HV substation is the demand load that a station can supply on a long-term cyclic basis following an N-1 event on a station transformer. For example, in a typical 2 x 10 MVA 38 kV/MV substation after an N-1 (fault or maintenance outage) on a transformer, a single 10 MVA transformer will remain in service. This transformer can be overloaded to 150% (15 MVA) based on a long-term daily cyclic load profile. The firm capacity of this 2 x 10 MA station is 15 MVA. |
| Description of what flexible capacity means (if applicable) | Flexible capacity is not currently indicated on heatmaps. |
| Main assumptions/disclaimers behind calculations | This availability capacity heatmap provides an indication of the available transformer capacity at substations. The map indicates transformer capacity only. It does not guarantee that the same capacity is available in the upstream networks. The heatmap is a snapshot, representing a moment in time of a continually changing network system. It cannot be relied on in isolation to assess the viability of a connection to a location. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the capacity map and related information is accurate, we do not warrant, and do not accept any responsibility or liability for, the accuracy or completeness of the content or for any consequence or loss which may arise from reliance on the capacity heatmap or related information. The data provided must be considered in conjunction with explanations in the “Important details about the heatmap” section. The available capacity figures will be periodically updated, and the latest versions will be posted on the website. The legal disclaimer terms and conditions for use of our website apply to the availability capacity heatmap and related information |
Additional information for connection request and hosting capacity information
| Connection request procedure | Customers can review the application process on the ESB Networks website: https://www.esbnetworks.ie/services/get-connected/connection-process |
| Available options for the investors if the map shows “no capacity available” in their interested area | All customers are advised to make a formal application to DSO so that a study can be completed to determine what reinforcements may be required. Flexible connection agreement products are at the pilot stage and are under development for the future. |
| Connection request rules/principles | First come, first served |
| Information published for volumes of connection requests/waiting lines | No |
Relevant references/Links/Additional material
Connection request process
Auxiliary documents
Contact point for hosting capacity information
Contact point for connection requests
Supplementary additional information