Greenlink Interconnector has appointed Paul O’Rourke as construction director for the 500MW link between the UK and Ireland.
O’Rourke (pictured) was previously with Saudi Aramco, where he led asset management activities for more than 2000km of critical submarine cables interconnecting offshore production facilities.
He also spent five years with EirGrid, initially as the marine project manager during development of the East West Interconnector (EWIC), and subsequently as the project director, taking EWIC through to completion.
Greenlink chief executive Nigel Beresford said: “In addition to the 250 jobs which will be created during construction, there are a swathe of benefits which interconnection brings including improved energy security, regional investment and competitive energy costs for consumers, as well as facilitating the integration of low carbon renewable energy sources.
“Pending planning approval, it is our intention to have this project built by the end of 2023. Paul’s appointment is a very timely and welcome boost to help us realise that ambition.”
Greenlink will provide a new grid connection between the existing Great Island substation in County Wexford and the UK National Grid’s Pembroke substation in south Wales.
It will allow power to flow in either direction depending on supply and demand in each country.