750MW MaresConnect links UK and Irish Power Grids

OFGEM has granted MaresConnect an Interconnector Licence between Wales and Ireland. Ofgem’s licence grants MaresConnect the right to own and operate an electricity interconnector project in the UK and provides certain associated powers as a statutory undertaker.

750MW MaresConnect links UK and Irish Power Grids

MaresConnect is a proposed 750MW, subsea and underground cable interconnector, with associated converter stations, between the existing electricity grids in Ireland and Great Britain. This would be operated respectively by EirGrid in Ireland and National Grid Electricity Transmission in the UK.

The project will link Dublin, Ireland and Bodelwyddan transmission substation in Denbighshire, Wales. Further details can be found at the project’s website: www.maresconnect.ie

MaresConnect secured a 750MW grid connection at National Grid’s Bodelwyddan substation in 2018 and procurement for the major onshore survey contracts is currently under way. Following the current development, the project is expected to have a three-year construction programme leading to operations in 2027.

MaresConnect is being developed by Foresight Group’s energy transition fund, the international Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners, and Etchea Energy, a London and Dublin-based energy project development firm.

What will this mean for Irish and British consumers?

MaresConnect is a proposed 750MW electricity interconnector linking the power markets of Ireland and Great Britain. The cable route is approximately 245km underground and under the sea between its Irish and Welsh stations.

As part of Europe’s 2022 Ten Year Network Development Plan (“TYNDP”), MaresConnect is considered one of Europe’s most important energy infrastructure projects that will form part of a system that is secure, sustainable and affordable, and that integrates Ireland’s abundant renewable energy resources, thereby offering an essential contribution to the European Green Deal.

With the UK’s current energy crisis, this could be a major step in the right direction.

As part of the UK government’s energy policy to secure 18GW of electricity interconnector capacity by 2030, Ofgem will invite new interconnector projects to apply for Cap & Floor regulation in a third window over the summer. Earlier this month Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications launched a consultation on Ireland’s electricity interconnector policy to address Ireland’s increased climate and energy ambitions.

Simon Ludlam, CEO of MaresConnect, said: “Securing an interconnector licence is an important step for us to position the project for its application for Ofgem’s third Cap & Floor window and to advance our route planning strategy and engagement with community stakeholders. MaresConnect will increase interconnector capacity between Ireland and GB by 50% and make a material contribution to Ireland achieving its 2030 environmental targets as well as providing a cost-efficient export route for Ireland’s growing offshore wind sector.”