New Ireland/UK interconnector starts operating

A new subsea electricity interconnector between Ireland and the UK has gone live.

Commercial operation of the 500MW Greenlink project between Wexford and Wales followed a successful testing period and a three-year construction period.

The new interconnector will double Ireland’s interconnection capacity to 1GW.

The UK’s Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, said: “It is important that Ireland and the UK work together to strengthen our mutual energy security, and drive forward in reaching our clean energy potential.

"This cable will help deliver our Clean Power 2030 mission and support Ireland's renewable expansion by allowing us to trade more cheaper-to-generate clean energy with each other, helping both nations to move away from volatile fossil fuel markets."