East West Interconnector
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The East West Interconnector project would be a 130km HVDC Submarine Electricity Interconnector connecting the UK and Irish Electricity markets. The cable, according to one promoter, would have a capacity of 500MW. The project is currently in the design and engineering stages and seeking planning permission, according to one company making a proposal. A decision on the project would rest with the Irish Government and the Irish Regulator.
[edit] Project History
Studies for the UK - Irish interconnector date back to the 1970’s when the Irish Electricity Supply Board (ESB) first examined the possibility of linking the UK and Irish electricity grids. Further studies were conducted in the early 1990’s and a joint study was recently conducted between ESB and UK National Grid with the support of the European Union.
The EU Commission has expressed the view that European electricity markets would benefit from further interconnection investments. The EU Trans European Energy Networks Project have classified the UK - Irish Interconnector as a priority project.
In early February 2004, the then Irish Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, Mr. Dermot Ahern, announced that the Irish Government had approved plans for the development of two 500MW electricity interconnectors between Ireland and Wales. Minister Ahern stated that the Government’s first preference is for merchant interconnection whereby the interconnectors are constructed, managed and owned by the private sector. This is what is being proposed by Imera Power.
[edit] Benefits to the Irish Electricity Sector
Interconnection between grids can provide extra sources of generation and assist competition. The EU is seeking to build more interconnectors to create a single integrated electricity market and to increase cross-border electricity exchange. Interconnectors also enhance local industry's competitiveness and benefit the consumer by increasing competition and driving down electricity prices.
Electricity demand in Ireland is growing at a faster rate than in other EU countries. A 2003 report from EirGrid, the national grid operator, found that Ireland's power stations were operating then at 78% of their overall potential the lowest level in a decade. Latest figures for the operation of Irish power stations are available at the EirGrid website.
Demand for electrical energy in Ireland (Republic plus Northern Ireland) is expected to grow at about 3% per annum up to 2010, falling towards 2% thereafter. Significant further generation investment would be required in order to replace older stations and to meet demand growth, but interconnector construction would moderate the required investment program.
