Greenlink interconnector is live, connecting into National Grid and EirGrid networks
- Power transfers now taking place between UK and Ireland following go-live of Greenlink interconnector
- The interconnector connects into the electricity transmission networks of National Grid and EirGrid, with EirGrid operating the link
- New link will boost both countries’ energy security, resilience and ability to harness clean power
Greenlink’s 504MW interconnector is transferring power between UK and Ireland following connections into the electricity transmission networks on both sides of the Irish Sea.
The new 320kV interconnector – comprising two high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables and associated converter stations – connects at substations on National Grid’s and EirGrid’s networks.
The interconnector will help boost the UK and Ireland’s energy security and resilience, as well as their capability to harness the potential of clean power by sharing surplus generation.
Greenlink’s connection to the high voltage network in Wales and England was made possible by an innovative set of upgrades by National Grid to its 400kV Pembroke substation.
National Grid installed a new gas-insulated switchgear bay inside its existing air-insulated substation, a hybrid solution that accommodated Greenlink’s connection in a cost and space efficient way.
The connection apparatus is mostly free of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) owing to the use of an alternative, greener insulating and switching gas, in line with National Grid’s ambition to reduce SF6 emissions from its network by 50% by 2030.
At the Irish end of Greenlink’s 200km span – 160km of which is under the sea – the interconnector connects into EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford.
Converter stations located adjacent to the substations at each end of the interconnector convert its direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) for use when imported onto each country’s grid, with the reverse process taking place to export power over the link.
The interconnector is owned by Greenlink, and operated by EirGrid.
James O'Reilly, CEO of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, said:
The successful completion of the Greenlink Interconnector marks a significant milestone as one of the first privately developed and funded energy projects between the UK and Ireland. This achievement reflects the technical expertise and collaboration of the Greenlink team and our trusted partners, Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric.
By enabling the transfer of green energy across borders, Greenlink strengthens energy security, enhances sustainability, and fosters greater connectivity with the wider European market.
John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said:
As demands on our electricity grids evolve, interconnectors provide immense value by strengthening security of electricity supplies and improving our collective ability to exploit the renewable power produced across borders.
Connecting Greenlink to our network ensures we can contribute to, and benefit from, that boost in capacity and resilience as we continue to upgrade our wider network to support Britain’s ambitious clean energy targets.
Michael Kelly, Interim Chief Operations and Asset Management Officer at EirGrid, said:
“EirGrid is leading the transition to a low carbon future by making Ireland's grid renewable ready, and this connection signifies the latest milestone in that journey.
This latest connection marks a vital step forward in strengthening our shared commitment to energy resilience and security and was made possible through combining expertise, resources and innovation with our UK colleagues and through collaboration with the Greenlink team.
