Sumitomo Electric Industries has completed the cable system for the Greenlink Interconnector Project, which provides an HVDC and fibre optic connection between Ireland and Wales.
The scheme being developed by Greenlink Interconnector Limited employs Sumitomo Electric’s HVDC cross-linked polyethylene cables for submarine and underground electricity interconnection, linking the existing electricity grids in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
The key project milestone was recently achieved with the successful completion of all testing, commissioning, and handover of the cable system to the consortium partner, Siemens Energy.
Trial operations will commence in the coming months.
The project included the manufacture and installation of onshore HVDC cables along a 24km route in Ireland, a 6km route in Wales, and submarine cables along a 160km offshore route.
Greenlink will provide a new grid connection between Great Island in County Wexford, Ireland, and Pembrokeshire in Wales.
Electricity flows in either direction, depending on supply and demand in each country.
Greenlink chief executive James O’Reilly said: “Greenlink is immensely pleased that Sumitomo Electric has completed all onshore and offshore HVDC cable installation work ahead of schedule.
“We eagerly look forward to the successful testing and commissioning of the project later this year.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sumitomo Electric and their subcontractors for their outstanding contributions to the Greenlink project.”