INCREASED capacity at the Moyle Interconnector will enable more wind generated power to be sold to the Great Britain market from next month, Mutual Energy has said.
The interconnector, which links the electricity markets of GB and the all-Ireland Single Electricity Market, has an engineering capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) in each direction.
But limits applied by transmission system operators (TSOs) at either end of the link mean the full capacity is not made available for trade between the two markets.
Mutual energy said that following engagement with the relevant TSOs, at least 250MW will be made available every day for exports from Moyle, increasing from 80MW at present.
The energy firm’s chief executive, Paddy Larkin, 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,” he said.
“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.”
