NIE Networks and Translink have successfully delivered Northern Ireland’s first timed flexible electricity connection.
The first-of-its-kind connection, delivered at Translink’s Short Strand Bus Depot in Belfast, provides sufficient capacity for Translink to charge up to 75 Electric Vehicles in a day.
The collaborative project between NIE Networks and Translink introduced an innovative new approach to electricity connections, enabling additional network capacity to be provided faster, at lower cost and without the need for immediate major reinforcement works.
When Translink approached NIE Networks seeking additional capacity to support the electrification of its bus fleet, initial assessments showed that a traditional connection would require significant upgrades to the local electricity network. This would have resulted in higher connection costs, disruption from roadworks and delivery times of up to two years.
Instead of waiting for network reinforcement works to be completed, NIE Networks worked closely with Translink to develop an alternative solution.
Under the timed flexible connection, Translink charges its buses overnight when demand on the electricity network is typically much lower. This allowed NIE Networks to make use of existing available network capacity during those hours and provide the connection without waiting for major construction works.
As a result, the innovative connection was able to progress at pace, avoiding higher connection costs, unnecessary disruption to local communities and helped Translink continue its fleet electrification programme.
Lisa O’Neill, Flexible Connections Manager, NIE Networks, said:
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations work together and think differently.
“When Translink required additional capacity, the traditional solution would have involved significant reinforcement works, higher costs and a much longer delivery timescale. Instead, through collaboration across our business, with Translink and with industry partners, we developed Northern Ireland’s first timed flexible connection.”
“By agreeing to charge buses overnight, when demand on the network is lower, Translink was able to access capacity that already existed on the network at those times. This allowed the connection to proceed without waiting for major reinforcement works and delivered benefits for both the customer and the wider community.”
“The trial has been operating successfully since June 2025 and will go live in the coming weeks. It has given us the confidence to make flexible connections part of our business-as-usual offering for high-voltage customers. This will help more customers connect low-carbon technologies and support economic growth across Northern Ireland in the future.”
William Campbell, Senior Programme Manager, Translink, said:
“This project has delivered significant benefits for Translink. The traditional connection route would have taken longer to deliver and required major network upgrades before the additional capacity could be provided.”
“The connection now enables us to charge up to 75 vehicles in a day, helping us continue to deliver cleaner, more sustainable public transport for passengers across Northern Ireland.”
The successful project demonstrates how collaboration, innovation and flexible thinking can unlock solutions that benefit customers, communities and the wider economy.