A collaboration involving some of the biggest names in energy has thrown its support behind the proposed installation of the second North South electricity interconnector.

SmartGridIreland, whose members include General Electric, ESB, Glen Dimplex, NIE Energy, Power NI and Siemens, says that it is a critical and strategically urgent transmission reinforcement for the island of Ireland.

The organisation says that a second interconnector is essential to facilitating sufficient transfer capacity to move electricity to the point of demand at the lowest possible cost.

Paddy Turnbull of General Electric and Chairman of Smart Grid Ireland said that the commissioning of a second North-South electricity interconnector will not only remove the current bottleneck  allowing the most efficient transfer of power across the island, but it will facilitate the integration of renewable power sources on to the electricity system.  

“Significant bottlenecks exist between the transmission systems of Ireland and Northern Ireland such that the cheapest produced electricity on the island of Ireland cannot be physically transferred to where it is required at all times of the year. The bottle neck exists as a consequence of only having one high capacity interconnector link between the transmission systems covering both parts of the island. It is essential, not only for security of supply but also to provide confidence to inward investors with the benefits that flow from lower costs, competitiveness and a critical infrastructure supporting sustainable economic growth,” he adds.

Smart Grid Ireland is a private sector led not-for-profit collaborative enterprise promoting and supporting sustainable development and the next generation digital energy infrastructure by combining common interests, public sector advocacy, optimising technology solutions through stimulating innovation to grow the economy, create jobs and develop new businesses.

www.smartgridireland.org

Contact:

Smart Grid Ireland, Secretariat, Innovation Centre, N.I. Science Park, Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT