From 1st December 2020, the export capacity of the Moyle Interconnector, owned and operated by Mutual Energy, will increase significantly, allowing more wind generated power to be sold to the Great Britain market.
The interconnector, which links the electricity markets of Great Britain and the all-Ireland Single Electricity Market, has an engineering capacity of 500 Megawatts (MW) in each direction. Limits applied by Transmission System Operators (TSOs) at either end of the link however mean that the full capacity is not made available for trade between the two markets.
As a result of engagement between Mutual Energy and the relevant TSOs, at least 250MW will be made available every day for exports from Moyle, increasing from 80MW at present.
Speaking about the increase in capacity, Paddy Larkin, Mutual Energy CEO said:
“The Moyle Interconnector has been a vital energy asset for 20 years, and we are delighted that firm capacity on the link has been increased. Crucially, this will help to both reduce curtailment of wind generated electricity in Northern Ireland and allow excess renewable power to be traded with the Great Britain market.
“Coming at a time when policymakers and the industry seek to further decarbonise the economy and the electricity supply, this is a very positive development that will deliver real environmental and economic benefits for Northern Ireland.”
The Moyle Interconnector’s control and protection system is also currently being modernised to enhance its operation. The refurbishment will increase the security and reliability of the power supply to consumers and is scheduled to be completed in September 2022.
