Consultation launches for Greenlink interconnector

A public consultation has been launched into the first stage of Greenlink’s interconnector between Ireland and Great Britain.

It follows the submission of planning applications for marine components both in Ireland and Wales.

Separate applications and a consultation will follow for the onshore works in County Wexford and Pembrokeshire, where the cables come ashore.

The project, which will connect the electricity grids either side of the Irish Sea, is due to be commissioned in 2023.

Angus Norman, project director for Greenlink, said: “This is a major milestone for the development of the project, marking the start of the consenting process. It represents the culmination of a considerable amount of technical, environmental and commercial analysis to design a project of the highest quality with valuable input from a range of stakeholders.

“Along with the recent signing of our grid connection agreement with EirGrid – another significant milestone – the Greenlink project is on a clear pathway towards the start of construction. We look forward to helping Ireland and the UK realise the benefits of greater interconnection – for regional jobs and supply chain, energy security, competition and decarbonisation.”

In Ireland, a foreshore licence application has been submitted for the marine component out to the 12 nautical mile limit. In Wales, a marine licence application has already been validated.

Procurement for the major construction contracts is currently under way and agreements have now been signed for connecting to the grid in Ireland and Wales, with EirGrid and National Grid respectively.

Last month, Ofgem launched a consultation on a series of variations to the cap floor and regime requested by Greenlink and the developer of the NeuConnect interconnector.