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Benefits

EirGrid has identified that an additional high capacity  north-south interconnector will provide multiple technical and other benefits.  These include:

• Improving competition by reducing the constraints that are currently restricting the efficient performance of the all-island Single Electricity Market;
• Improving security of supply by providing a reliable high capacity link between the two parts of the all-island transmission system; and
• Supporting the development of renewable power generation by enhancing the flexible exchange of power flows over a large area of the island. 

EirGrid has also re-examined the case for the reinforcement of the transmission system in the north-east area of the Republic of Ireland and has concluded that such reinforcement will be required sometime between 2015 and 2020.  This finding is based on consideration of the latest data including electricity growth projections for the north-east area that take account of the continuing economic downturn.

Regional developments can be seen in the context of EirGrid’s Grid Development Strategy, Grid 25. Grid 25 is a long term strategy to put in place a safe, secure, and affordable electricity supply throughout Ireland, supporting economic growth and providing a roadmap to a bright future for renewable and sustainable energy. For an overview of this initiative, please look at the Grid25 section.