The firm export capacity of the Moyle Interconnector, owned and operated by Mutual Energy, has increased to 270 Megawatts with effect from 1st October 2021, allowing more wind generated power onto the system and available to export ahead of the winter months.
The Moyle interconnector, which links the electricity markets of Great Britain and the all-Ireland Single Electricity Market, has a technical capacity of 500 Megawatts (MW) in each direction. Limits applied by Transmission System Operators (TSOs) at either end of the link however mean that this full capacity is not made available for trade between the two markets.
As a result of ongoing engagement between Mutual Energy and key stakeholders to maximise capacity, at least 270 Megawatts is now made available every day for exports from Moyle.
Speaking about the increase, Paddy Larkin, Mutual Energy CEO said:
“By boosting firm capacity on the Moyle Interconnector, the curtailment of wind generated power can be reduced, a very positive step as the industry seeks to further decarbonise. The increased capacity also means excess renewable power can be traded with the Great Britain market. Over the coming year, we will be working hard to boost capacity further by continuing our close partnership with the TSOs and through technological advancements and improvements.”
Welcoming the firm capacity increase, Steven Agnew, Head of RenewableNI said:
“Measures like this show how the industry can work together to achieve decarbonisation. Northern Ireland generates almost half of its electricity from renewables and it’s essential we ensure curtailment is kept to a minimal. This additional capacity helps keep wind power on the system and available to others.”
