MaresConnect Interconnector Information

MaresConnect Interconnector will provide infrastructure to support energy security, put downward pressure on consumer energy prices and help facilitate the transition to a low-carbon energy future. The European energy market faces many challenges linked to aging infrastructure, environmental targets and energy transition. Meeting these challenges requires a significant shift towards a greater share of renewable energy supported by an improved transmission network capable of distributing energy and ensuring the security of supply. MaresConnect’s objective is to be a part of these transformations by improving the capacity of Irish and Great Britain networks' ongoing ability to efficiently distribute electricity to consumers, and to ensure that electricity supply is secure in the event of production uncertainty linked to renewable sources, availability of existing generation units, and transmission network. The economic benefits of the MaresConnect 750MW HVDC interconnector will include increasing competitiveness in the energy market, by offering import and export trade between Ireland and the UK. According to demand, which changes depending on the time of day, season, weather conditions, and availability of renewable energy, MaresConnect will be able to either import or export electricity. This opens up commercial opportunities for energy producers, thus reducing costs for consumers. MaresConnect will deliver numerous environmental and economic benefits including: • Energy Security – Reinforce security of electricity supply. • Savings – Reduction in wholesale energy prices. • Net Zero – Integration of green energy in GB and Ireland. • Jobs – Supporting jobs in construction, operations and maintenance. • Transmission of Electricity – Equivalent to 570,000 homes. • Investment – €860m of private capital investment which will benefit Ireland and Wales.