The Greenlink Interconnector, a 500MW subsea electricity link between Ireland and the UK, has officially begun commercial operations, marking a pivotal moment in both nations’ energy strategies. This interconnector, following a rigorous three-year construction and testing phase, doubles Ireland’s interconnection capacity to 1GW, fortifying the country’s energy security and bolstering its renewable energy ambitions.
The Greenlink Interconnector, recognized as a Project of Common Interest (PCI), underscores the strategic importance of cross-border energy infrastructure. As a PCI, the project benefited from funding under the Connecting Europe Facility, highlighting the EU’s commitment to enhancing energy interconnectivity. This interconnector, along with the existing East-West Interconnector, will play a crucial role in Ireland’s transition to a net-zero energy future. By enabling increased energy imports during adverse shocks, such as extreme weather events, and facilitating the export of surplus renewable energy, these interconnectors are set to become linchpins in Ireland’s energy strategy.
Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, lauded the project, stating, “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.” He emphasized the role of interconnection in enabling Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions and its potential to transform Ireland into a net energy exporter. “Interconnection will also play an important role in our transition to become a net energy exporter, making Ireland central to wider European energy plans,” O’Brien asserted.
The UK’s Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It is important that Ireland and the UK work together to strengthen our mutual energy security, and drive forward in reaching our clean energy potential.” He highlighted the interconnector’s role in supporting both nations’ clean energy missions, enabling them to trade cheaper-to-generate clean energy and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.
The commencement of Greenlink’s operations signals a shift in the energy landscape, with interconnectors poised to play an increasingly significant role. As renewable energy sources become a larger proportion of the electricity mix, the ability to import and export electricity across borders will be crucial. This interconnector, and others like it, will facilitate this exchange, enhancing energy security and supporting the transition to a net-zero future.
Moreover, the Greenlink Interconnector serves as a testament to the power of international collaboration. By working together, Ireland and the UK are strengthening their energy security, driving down costs, and accelerating their clean energy transitions. This project sets a precedent for future collaborations, demonstrating the benefits of a connected, integrated energy system.
However, the journey does not end with Greenlink. Ireland’s integrated forward planning approach to interconnection, aligned with its offshore renewable energy strategy, indicates a commitment to further enhancing its interconnectivity. As the renewable energy sector grows, so too will the importance of these interconnectors, shaping the future of Ireland’s energy landscape and its role within the broader European energy system. The success of Greenlink is not just a milestone, but a stepping stone towards a more connected, secure, and sustainable energy future. The sector must now build on this momentum, challenging norms, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of energy interconnectivity.
