23-04-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Pembroke to Ireland interconnector live in energy security boost
The Greenlink interconnector is now operational, connecting the National Grid and EirGrid networks.
The 504MW interconnector, consisting of two high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables and associated converter stations, is now transferring power between the UK and Ireland.
The new link is set to boost both countries' energy security, resilience, and ability to harness clean power.
The interconnector connects at substations on National Grid's and EirGrid's networks.
The connection to the high voltage network in Wales and England was made possible by a series of upgrades to National Grid's 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), thanks to the use of an alternative, greener insulating and switching gas.
(Image: National Grid)This aligns with National Grid's ambition to reduce SF6 emissions from its network by 50 per cent 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 are located adjacent to the substations at each end of the interconnector converting 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.
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.
"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."
The interconnector is owned by Greenlink, and operated by EirGrid.
