ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 61 Industry News EirGrid announces €1 billion procurement programme for offshore electricity grid EirGrid, the operator and developer of the power system, has today announced a procurement programme for over €1 billion for works related to the delivery of an offshore electricity grid for Ireland. In 2021, Ireland opted to move towards a plan-led rollout of offshore renewables and infrastructure. As part of that work, EirGrid as Ireland’s Transmission System Operator has been tasked with bringing forward a plan to deliver on the Government’s offshore ambitions. Focused initially on Ireland’s east coast, and then moving to the south coast, the landmark procurement programme will relate to Operation & Maintenance (O&M) activities to enable the connection of offshore renewable generation to the onshore grid. The contracts will encompass a minimum of eight O&M procurement categories covering the full spectrum of services required. These include: • Inspection & Maintenance Support • Marine Logistics • Warehousing and Handling • Subsea Inspection Repair & Maintenance • Asset Health, Security & Operational Monitoring • Training and Support Services • Health, Safety & Environmental Support • Helicopter Intervention Support (personnel winching and light cargo). In addition, EirGrid is also today commencing another procurement initiative in relation to its Powering Up Offshore - South Coast Enduring Connection Policy (ECP) works, and the high voltage equipment aspect of these works. Announcing the programme at the 2025 WindEurope conference in Copenhagen, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer Michael Mahon said: “It is estimated that the procurements being launched today will be valued in excess of €1 billion, which truly demonstrates the intent to begin delivering offshore renewables at scale – a critical step towards a cleaner energy future for Ireland. “I would encourage the entire supply chain in these areas to engage with EirGrid and help us to harness the significant offshore wind resource that exists in Irish waters.” Greenlink Interconnector to boost Ireland and UK energy resilience Greenlink’s 504MW interconnector is transferring power between Ireland and the UK following connections into the electricity transmission networks on both sides of the Irish Sea. An event, officially launching the new 320kV interconnector, took place recently in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, with attendees hearing how the latest connection between Ireland and the UK would help boost Ireland and the UK’s energy security and resilience. The project, developed by Greenlink, comprises two high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables and associated converter stations. The interconnector connects at substations on EirGrid’s network and the UK’s National Grid. Along with boosting energy security and resilience, the connection will also increase capability to harness the potential of clean power by sharing surplus generation between Ireland and the UK. At the Irish end of Greenlink’s 200km span – 160km of which is under the sea – the interconnector connects into EirGrid’s Great Island substation in Co Wexford.
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