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New CEO appointed to deliver Ireland-UK interconnector

6 September 2021 - Project secures planning to facilitate transfer of up to 500MW between Ireland and UK


The board of Greenlink Interconnector Limited has announced the appointment of James O’Reilly as Chief Executive Officer at a crucial time for the rollout of the circa €500million project with full planning permission recently approved in Ireland.


Mr O’Reilly joins Greenlink with An Bord Pleanála having given consent to the development of the 190km interconnector with the project now moving into the construction phase later this year with a planned completion date in 2024.


Previously, Mr O’Reilly held the position of Chief Operating Officer for international renewable energy developer, Phelan Energy Group as well as having led major engineering and communication network firms in both Ireland and the USA. In addition to placing downward pressure on wholesale energy prices and reducing curtailment, Greenlink will also provide security of supply at a time of increasing concern around this issue.


Greenlink will use a subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable system to connect the power markets of Ireland and the UK, reducing average electricity costs for consumers. The 500MW cable, which is equivalent to powering 380,000 homes, will run underground between County Wexford and Pembrokeshire in Wales allowing power to flow in either direction depending on supply and demand in each country.


Greenlink board chairman, Pádraig McManus, commented:

“We are very pleased to have somebody of James O’Reilly’s calibre and experience to lead the next phase of the delivery of Greenlink. This is an exciting time for the project with planning permission secured and a great deal of credit for the progress we have made to date, must go to James’s predecessor, Nigel Beresford. Nigel’s determination, commitment and energy is a major part of the reason why we have made such strides towards delivering this vital piece of infrastructure.”

James O'Reilly joins Greenlink as CEO

Incoming CEO, James O’Reilly stated:

I am particularly excited to be joining Greenlink at a time when the debates around climate change and energy supply are very much to the fore. Greenlink is one of Europe’s most important energy infrastructure projects and brings benefits on both sides of the Irish Sea for energy security, regional investment, jobs and the cost-effective integration of low carbon energy.”

The project is considered of critical importance in Europe and has been awarded "Project of Common Interest" status by the European Commission. It is owned exclusively by leading global private markets firm, Partners Group which has more than US$109billion in assets under management with 20 offices worldwide.


Greenlink will offer local supply chain opportunities and plans are being drawn up for a ‘meet-the-buyer’ event in the local area prior to construction, which is expected to be held later this year.


CONTACTS FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Ireland: Seán Perry, 087 9105013

UK: Anna Stanford, Communications Adviser: +44 7961 234634 Anna.Stanford@greenlink.ie


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