20/09/2012

East-West Interconnector Officially Opened

The new East-West Interconnector linking the power grids of Ireland and Britain has been officially opened.

The interconnector is around 260km in length and has the capacity to carry 500 megawatts of electricity between Ireland and Britain, enough energy to power 300,000 homes.

The largest single piece of energy infrastructure to be built in Ireland since the Ardnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station was opened in 1929, it will allow electricity to be bought and sold between the two countries.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte said: "The entire thrust behind the integration of European markets, of which this is a leading example, is to produce more competitive energy for consumers and for business."

Eirgrid, who were in charge of delivering the project, said it had come in on time and below its €600m budget.

The interconnector will begin commercial operations on 1 October. It runs between Deeside in north Wales and Woodland, Co Meath.

(H)


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