The Moyle Interconnector Cable links the electricity grids of Northern Ireland and Scotland, running for a distance of 63 km between converter stations at Ballycronan More in Island Magee, County Antrim and Auchencrosh in Ayrshire. The link consists of two separate integrated return conductor (IRC) cables (a north and south cable), each with a high voltage (HV) and a low voltage (LV) return conductor integrated into a co-axial design. Following repair work in 2015, two additional low voltage cables have been laid alongside the original cables.
The system has been operational since 2002. Some problems arose with the cable after 2010 (as a result of a failure in the low voltage polyethylene integrated return conductor (IRC) insulation). This meant that the interconnector could only run at half of its 500MW capacity. In response Moyle Interconnector Limited commissioned a repair, called the “Moyle Returns Cable Project”.
Cable repair: Moyle Returns Cable Project
Moyle Cable Returns Route
During 2015 the Moyle Interconnector was successfully restored to full operational capacity by installing two new return conductor cables. These cables run close to the route of the existing north and south cables (see figure here).
The route for these two cables was selected after bathymetric, seismic and ROV surveys of the seabed, to optimise cable burial & protection.
Facts and Figures
The Moyle Interconnector provides a vital link between the electricity market in Ireland and the market in the UK and Europe, providing access to economical and reliable electricity supplies for Northern Ireland.
The installation of the cable followed more then 10 years of survey work and feasibility studies. The cable was installed on the seabed in 2001 and came into operation in 2002. It provides a capacity of 500MW of electricity, and was designed to be equal to the largest projected infeeds to the Irish electricity system for many years.
Project updates
Construction and operational updates for the Moyle Interconnector Cable and Moyle Returns Project are posted on this website. You can read past updates below, and you can sign up for project updates to be delivered straight to your Inbox on our News Subscriptions page. It’s quick, easy, free and secure.
If you have any queries about the Moyle Interconnector Cable, please contact us.