EirGrid, the independent electricity transmission system operator in the Republic of Ireland, is inviting companies to bid to trade energy when its undersea electricity cable to the UK becomes operational later this year.
The East West Interconnector will link the two countries’ grid networks and will open new markets to energy companies, providing an increased opportunity for trade between the Republic’s Single Electricity Market (SEM) and the British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA) market.
The connection will be between Deeside in north Wales and Woodland, County Meath. Approximately 250 km in length, the underground and undersea link will have the capacity to transport 500 MW.
Completion of the Interconnector, which will be bi-directional, will also link the Republic to European energy markets. It is intended to improve Ireland’s security of supply, increase competitiveness and encourage the growth of renewable energy generation. Rodney Doyle, EirGrid’s East West Readiness manager said: “Energy traded on the interconnector will play a vital role in helping to secure future energy supplies in the UK and Ireland and we look forward to the first round of trading getting underway.”
EirGrid is holding trading launches in London and Dublin to provide companies with information on how to trade on the Interconnector. More information from Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London, <www.churchhouseconf.co.uk>, or info@eirgrid.com
