Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric have won the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the 500MW Greenlink electricity interconnector project.
As part of an overall project investment that exceeds €500m, the contract will deliver the 190 km subsea and underground electricity interconnector to connect the power grids of Ireland and the UK mainland.
The engineering, procurement, and construction contract will cover works on the onshore and subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable systems, two converter stations, a tail station at Great Island in Wexford and onshore cable works in Wexford and Pembrokeshire, Wales.
The award also includes a service and maintenance contract for operations and maintenance following commissioning of the project, which is expected to be in 2024.
Work will begin at the start of 2022, following financial close.
Greenlink CEO James O’Reilly (pictured) said: “We are delighted to have reached another significant milestone in the delivery of the Greenlink project with the signing of the contract with Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric.
“Greenlink is one of Europe’s most important energy infrastructure projects, contributing to energy security, regional investment, jobs and the cost-effective integration of low carbon energy, and we have chosen a consortium with exceptional experience, skill and standing in the energy and engineering sector for this major undertaking.
“We will be looking to maximise local supply chain benefits during the three-year construction period and we look forward to working with Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric towards successful commissioning in 2024.”
The project is considered of critical importance in Europe and has been awarded “Project of Common Interest” status by the European Commission.
It is owned on behalf of its clients by leading global private markets firm, Partners Group, which has more than $119bn in assets under management with 20 offices worldwide.
Greenlink will offer local supply chain opportunities and plans are being drawn up for meet-the-buyer events for potential suppliers in the local areas prior to construction.
These are expected to be held later this year and details will be published on the Greenlink website.