A new subsea electricity interconnector linking Ireland and the United Kingdom has officially commenced commercial operations, doubling Ireland’s interconnection capacity and marking a step forward in efforts to strengthen energy security and transition to renewable power.
The 500-megawatt Greenlink Interconnector, which connects County Wexford in Ireland to Pembrokeshire in Wales, entered full commercial service following a three-year construction phase and successful testing period. The development is Ireland’s second electricity link with the UK, joining the East-West Interconnector, commissioned in 2012.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien welcomed the milestone, describing the project as a significant development in Ireland’s energy infrastructure. “This project is a tangible expression of our ever-strengthening energy relationship with the UK, and highlights the value and benefits which international energy collaboration can bring,” O’Brien said.
The interconnector has been designated a Project of Common Interest (PCI) by the European Union, recognising it as a strategically important cross-border energy infrastructure. It received funding under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, which supports projects aimed at improving Europe’s energy networks.
Electricity interconnectors allow countries to share electricity, provide backup during periods of reduced supply, and enable greater integration of renewable sources into national grids. The Greenlink Interconnector is expected to play a critical role in balancing supply and demand, particularly as renewable energy becomes a larger share of Ireland’s energy mix.
“The role of interconnection is a large part of our wider energy ambitions,” O’Brien said. “It will also play an important role in our transition to become a net energy exporter, making Ireland central to wider European energy plans.”
The project’s launch comes as Ireland and the UK continue to expand cooperation on energy transition and infrastructure. UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks also emphasised the importance of cross-border collaboration in supporting clean energy goals.
“This cable between Wexford and Wales 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,” Shanks said. “It is important that Ireland and the UK work together to strengthen our mutual energy security.”
The Greenlink Interconnector is expected to facilitate the import and export of electricity between the two countries, helping to stabilise markets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels amid growing volatility in global energy prices.
