Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd has announced the successful completion of the Greenlink Interconnector Project, further showcasing its unparalleled expertise in cable manufacturing and installation.
This milestone achievement involved the installation of high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) and fiber optic cables for its client, Greenlink Interconnector Ltd, a release by Sumitomo Electric said.
The Greenlink Interconnector Project employs Sumitomo Electric’s innovative and environmentally friendly HVDC cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables for submarine and underground electricity interconnection, linking the existing HVDC electricity grids in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Greenlink will provide a new grid connection between Great Island in County Wexford, Ireland, and Pembrokeshire in Wales, UK. Electricity flows in either direction, depending on supply and demand in each country. (See map)
The key project milestone was recently achieved with the successful completion of all testing, commissioning, and handover of the cable system to the consortium partner, Siemens Energy AG. Trial operations will commence in the coming months. This is another step forward for Sumitomo Electric in enhancing the quality and reliability of the electricity interconnection.
The project included the manufacture and installation of onshore HVDC cables (±320kV) along a 24-km route in Ireland, a 6-km route in Wales, and submarine cables along a 160-km offshore route.
Ahead of schedule
James O’Reilly CEO of Greenlink, said, “Greenlink is immensely pleased that Sumitomo Electric has completed all onshore and offshore HVDC cable installation work ahead of schedule. We eagerly look forward to the successful testing and commissioning of the project later this year. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sumitomo Electric and their subcontractors for their outstanding contributions to the Greenlink project.”
Track record
Sumitomo Electric has established an impressive track record in renewable energy development and trade between European countries and regions. This includes the successful commissioning of the 1,000-MW NEMO HVDC interconnector between the UK and Belgium in 2019, followed by five years of successful operation with outstanding performance of 99.5 per cent system availability. The success of the Greenlink Interconnector further solidifies this reputation.
Also read: Sumitomo Electric acquires majority stake in German cable maker
(All photographs seen in this story have been sourced from Sumitomo Electric)
