A major step forward in Ireland’s energy infrastructure was marked today with the official launch of the Greenlink electricity interconnector, linking Wexford, Ireland to Pembrokeshire, Wales.
The €1 billion project, now fully operational after completing its 60-day regulatory trial, was unveiled this afternoon at an event in Enniscorthy, officiated by Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O'Brien.
The interconnector is particularly crucial to Ireland’s climate and energy transition goals, enabling the country to import low-carbon electricity from the UK and broader European networks, without the associated emissions being counted against Ireland’s totals.
Crucially, under international emissions accounting rules, emissions linked to electricity imported from abroad are not counted as domestic emissions, helping Ireland progress toward its environmental targets.
The interconnector has now been sold in a landmark deal valued at €1 billion to Baltic Cable AB, a major European energy connector firm, and Equitix, a UK-based infrastructure investment group.
The €1 billion project, now fully operational after completing its 60-day regulatory trial, was unveiled this afternoon at an event in Enniscorthy, officiated by Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O'Brien.
Powering 380,000 Homes and Enabling Energy Trade
The 500-megawatt interconnector has the capacity to supply power to approximately 380,000 homes and will allow electricity to flow both ways—importing from Britain and exporting Ireland’s surplus renewable energy. It is expected to play a key role in enhancing energy security, increasing market competition, and stabilising electricity prices in the long term.The interconnector is particularly crucial to Ireland’s climate and energy transition goals, enabling the country to import low-carbon electricity from the UK and broader European networks, without the associated emissions being counted against Ireland’s totals.
Emissions Benefits Already Evident
Official figures show that greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in Ireland dropped 17.2% in the first half of 2024, following a 20% reduction in 2023. A significant portion of this reduction is attributed to a rise in electricity imports from the UK, which now account for 14.4% of Ireland’s total electricity use—making the UK the third-largest electricity supplier to Ireland, after wind and natural gas.Crucially, under international emissions accounting rules, emissions linked to electricity imported from abroad are not counted as domestic emissions, helping Ireland progress toward its environmental targets.
A Decade in the Making
The Greenlink project has been in development and construction for ten years, with a 190km-long high-voltage cable now in place. Of this, 160km runs under the Irish Sea, with the remainder installed underground on land.The interconnector has now been sold in a landmark deal valued at €1 billion to Baltic Cable AB, a major European energy connector firm, and Equitix, a UK-based infrastructure investment group.
Industry Reaction
James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink, emphasized the strategic importance of the project:Padraig McManus, chair of Greenlink, added:
