DUBLIN, IRELAND, MUNICH, GERMANY & OSAKA, JAPAN — The 500- megawatt HVDC link will connect the power grids of Ireland and Great Britain.

Siemens Energy, and their consortium partner Sumitomo Electric, have signed a contract with Greenlink Interconnector Limited to deliver an HVDC converter technology for the 190km (118 miles) electricity interconnector Greenlink.

Depending on supply and demand in each country, the power could flow in either direction. This means that the link would offer both countries the benefit of an increased grid stability, security of power supply and cost-effective growth and integration of low carbon energy.

Siemens Energy has taken on the responsibility for the overall system design and the construction of two converter stations located close to the Great Island transmission substation in County Wexford (Ireland) and the Pembroke transmission substation in Pembrokeshire (Wales). Both converter stations will use Siemens Energy’s newest HVDC technology to convert Alternating Current to Direct Current and vice versa. The two stations will be linked via an HVDC XLPE (crosslinked polyethylene) cable system, which will be supplied by Sumitomo, and which will enable the low-loss transport of energy with a voltage of 320 kilovolts.According to the agreement, Siemens Energy should also provide service and maintenance for the first seven years with a possibility of an extension.

 “We are delighted to have reached another significant milestone in the delivery of the Greenlink project with the signing of the contract with Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric,” commented James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink. “We will be looking to maximise local supply chain benefits during the three-year construction period and we look forward to working with Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric towards successful commissioning in 2024.”, O’Reilly went on.

“Interconnectors like Greenlink play a critical role in strengthening the share of renewable sources in the European energy mix and bolstering energy security.” said Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy.

GreenLink will enable a diversified energy mix, bolster European energy security, and ultimately make the enhanced integration of renewable energy possible. The European Union has recognized Greenlink’s contribution to security of supply and the environment by designating it a “Project of Common Interest”. 

The work on the link is scheduled to begin at the start of 2022.

Source: Siemens Energy