SONI - System Operator for Northern Ireland

We were very pleased to partner with NI Chamber to deliver the first Energy Forum of the year at BT Riverside Tower this morning. The event marked the launch of a new position paper from NI Chamber’s Energy Task and Finish Group outlining industry-led energy priorities for the remainder of this Assembly mandate and the next. Hear from our Head of Corporate Affairs Nichola Mallon who joined a panel discussion exploring the policy and legislative actions needed to unlock grid capacity and accelerate the enabling infrastructure required for Northern Ireland’s energy transition. A huge thank you to NI Chamber, our speakers, and all participants for a constructive and forward‑looking discussion. 

We're proud to collaborate with the NI Chamber on this important position paper, the first major output from our Energy Taskforce partnership. Working with industry to strengthen energy security, reduce costs, and accelerate decarbonisation across Northern Ireland.

We are strengthening the electricity grid in the Mid Ulster area, and we want to hear from you. The Mid Ulster region hosts an expanding industrial and manufacturing sector; this sustained growth has placed increasing pressure on the electricity transmission system. The East Tyrone Reinforcement Project will increase capacity at Dungannon Main substation to accommodate rising demand. Not only will this strengthen the grid locally, making it more resilient, it will also support further economic development in the local area. Come along to The Junction, 12 Beechvalley Way Dungannon on 28th January between 2pm and 8pm to speak with the project team and find out more about the project #Grid #Strengthening

We were delighted to welcome the Board, and Board Advisors, of EnergyCloud Northern Ireland to our Control Centre in Belfast today.   Energy Cloud is a not-for-profit initiative that seeks to utilise surplus renewable energy which would otherwise be wasted, to help vulnerable customers who are experiencing fuel poverty.   We were very pleased to support Energy Cloud by hosting their meeting today. It was a great opportunity to learn more about their work and join the discussions on how collaboration, innovation, and data-driven solutions can help deliver a just transition and support our journey towards a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient power system.    #EnergyTransition #Innovation #Collaboration #NetZero #SONI

There is still time to share your feedback on our Mid Antrim Upgrade Project through SONI’s consultation portal https://lnkd.in/eBHEeAHR SONI is finalising plans to bring forward the Mid Antrim Upgrade Project, a high-capacity transmission system upgrade between the Kells and Rasharkin Main Substations in County Antrim. Right now, bottlenecks on the system are preventing the clean energy available from being fully utilised. Plans to upgrade the existing infrastructure will mean strengthening the network in the immediate area. This will bolster security of electricity supply for the increasing number of consumers who rely on the network. You can share your feedback with us up until 31st January at 5pm on our consultation portal https://lnkd.in/eBHEeAHR #Grid #Upgrade

To ensure Northern Ireland reaches its clean energy ambitions, SONI must make changes to the electricity grid to ensure that newer and more varied forms of renewable energy can be used. The Mid Antrim Upgrade is a key enabler of this ambition. Once energised, existing bottlenecks on the system will be removed, and this new high-voltage line between Kells and Rasharkin will unlock the flow of cleaner sources of energy to areas of highest demand.

We’re proud to share that SONI has achieved the Diversity Mark Accreditation, recognising our progress in creating a workplace that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion. From launching The Circuit Women’s Network, to supporting mentoring programmes like SistersIN, enhancing family leave, and promoting wellbeing initiatives, this milestone reflects the commitment of our entire team. This is an important step in our journey and validates the progress we’ve made so far. We’re dedicated to building an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. ➡️Read more- https://lnkd.in/eC-vzQ4R #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInSTEM #Leadership #SONI

🔍 Future Power Markets – Key Developments for 2026 The energy sector is entering a transformative phase. The Future Power Markets Design Authority has outlined strategic initiatives that will redefine electricity markets: ✅ Competitive frameworks for system services ✅ Enhanced scheduling and dispatch for renewables and storage ✅ Preparations for EU market integration and the Celtic Interconnector These changes are critical for achieving 80% renewable electricity share and ensuring system security. 📅 Join our Future Power Markets Workshops starting 27 January in Belfast to gain insights and contribute to shaping these developments. 👉 Register today and be part of the conversation: https://lnkd.in/eW3gGXRV The registration link will close at 5pm on Friday, 09th January 2026. #EnergyTransition #FuturePowerMarkets #GridInnovation #Workshops2026

In the latest edition of Connected magazine, our CEO Alan Campbell shares his journey from growing up in Coleraine to steering SONI through some of the most critical milestones for Northern Ireland’s energy system. We’re proud to have Alan at the helm as we work towards a secure, sustainable energy future for all. 👉 Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eyd6cqp7 #DerryChamber #ConnectedMagazine #SONI #EnergyLeadership #Decarbonisation

🎆💫 As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank all of our colleagues, industry partners, friends and followers for their support throughout the year and wish everyone a very happy New Year! 🎇✨