NEWS
IRELAND AND UK ENERGY RESILIENCE BOOSTED BY GREENLINK INTERCONNECTOR
Power system operator and developer EirGrid has announced a procurement programme for over €1bn for works related to the delivery of an offshore electricity grid for Ireland. In 2021, Ireland opted to move towards a plan-led rollout of offshore renewables and infrastructure. EirGrid, as Ireland’s transmission system operator, has been tasked with bringing forward a plan to deliver on the Government’s offshore ambitions. Focused initially on Ireland’s east EIRGRID ANNOUNCES €1BN PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME FOR OFFSHORE GRID
Greenlink’s 504MW interconnector is now transferring power between Ireland and the UK following connections into electricity transmission networks on both sides of the Irish Sea. The project comprises two high- voltage direct current subsea cables and associated converter stations, interconnecting at substations on EirGrid’s network and the UK’s National Grid. Boosting energy security and resilience, the connection will also increase capability to harness the potential of clean power by sharing surplus generation between Ireland and the UK. 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 Co Wexford. Direct current electricity to converted to alternating current, for use when imported onto each country’s grid, with the reverse
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien officially launches the Greenlink Interconnector.
process taking place to export power over the link. The interconnector is owned by Greenlink and operated by EirGrid. James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, said, “This achievement reflects the technical expertise and collaboration of the Greenlink team and our trusted partners, Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric.” www.greenlink.ie
coast and then moving to the south coast, the procurement
programme will relate to operation and maintenance (O&M) activities to enable the connection of offshore renewable generation to the onshore grid. The contracts will encompass a minimum of eight O&M procurement categories covering the full spectrum of services required, including Inspection & Maintenance Support, Subsea Inspection Repair & Maintenance, Asset Health and Security & Operational Monitoring. Michael Mahon, Chief Infrastructure Officer at EirGrid, said, “I would encourage the entire supply chain in these areas to engage with EirGrid and help us to harness the significant offshore wind resource that exists in Irish waters.” www.eirgrid.com
ESB and SETU launch the new collaboration at ESB in Portlaoise.
SETU AND ESB NETWORKS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC COLLABORATION
South East Technological University (SETU) and ESB Networks Training have announced a new collaboration aimed at enhancing the energy sector in Ireland. The collaboration will create learning opportunities, foster innovation and strengthen industry-academic partnerships in the sector. One of the steering group’s initial priorities is to focus on the development of an SETU-accredited training programme in Electrical Network Operations. Learners enrolled on this programme will be formally registered as SETU students. Upon successful completion, this programme will pave the way for a broader suite of validated
training opportunities. Access to vital infrastructure, including high-voltage substations, will provide learners from both organisations with invaluable, hands- on experience in real-world environments - ensuring Ireland’s energy workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Keith Kavanagh, ESB Networks, said, “We are committed to fostering a highly- skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry. Our collaboration with SETU will enable us to share expertise, develop cutting- edge training programmes, and ultimately benefit the entire sector.” www.setu.ie
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