How does electricity flow across borders?
How does electricity flow across borders?
Have you ever wondered how electricity flows across borders? How it powers homes, businesses and that late-night Netflix binge? The answer is through interconnectors. These are high-voltage, power-pumping highways that keep energy flowing between regions, countries and even islands. In this blog, we are going to plug in to the interconnectors between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland to see exactly where your energy comes from and why there’s an urgent need for more of them.
First things first, what is an Interconnector?
Essentially, it is a giant cable system that connects the electricity grids of various regions or countries, enabling energy to flow between them. Picture it as the electrical equivalent of a bridge – making sure power can cross borders as easily as boats sail along the sea.
Interconnectors are critical for ensuring energy security, balancing supply and demand and to keep energy costs in check. Plus, they help regions share renewable energy so that we all can enjoy greener, cleaner electricity.
Bridging Ireland’s power grids
The North/South Interconnector is the crucial link that ties the Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland energy grids together. But is it enough? As energy consumption patterns shift and renewable energy demand rises, it is clear we need more infrastructure to meet future energy targets.
The North/South Interconnector project – which is still in the works – promises to boost that connection to a whole new level, but we must act now to ensure it is just one part of a broader solution. Here is what you need to know:
· What is it?
The new North/South Interconnector will provide a 400 kV high-voltage line, boosting the electricity flow between the two grids. Its purpose is to improve reliability and ensure both of the regions can tap into shared electricity reserves.
· Why is it important?
This project will allow electricity to move more freely between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, meaning greater energy security and lower costs. If there is a sudden surge of demand in one region, energy can be quickly transferred.
But with energy consumption set to increase and renewable energy integration crucial for hitting climate targets, the North/South Interconnector alone may not be enough. We need to think bigger and act faster to avoid future bottlenecks.
· Where is it?
The Interconnector is about 86 miles long and will run from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland to County Meath in the Republic of Ireland.
Interconnectors are high-voltage, power-pumping highways that keep energy flowing between regions, countries and even islands.
The Moyle Interconnector – connecting Northern Ireland and Scotland
In Northern Ireland, we also have another major interconnector – the Moyle Interconnector which links Northern Ireland to Scotland.
· What is it?
It is a 500 MW electricity link running between Auchencrosh, Scotland and Ballycronan More, Northern Ireland. It is actually a pair of underwater cables stretching across the Irish Sea, allowing power to flow between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
· Why is it important?
The Moyle Interconnector is around 39 miles long and is crucial for energy stability in Northern Ireland. It helps balance electricity supply, especially during times of high demand or low local generation. Plus, it allows both regions to share renewable energy – like wind power from Scotland and other sources – helping to meet carbon reduction targets.
What is next for Interconnectors?
As Northern Ireland looks to future-proof its energy grid, interconnectors will play an even more significant role. However, the North/South Interconnector and Moyle alone won’t be enough to meet the growing demand for energy or the shift toward renewable sources. To hit climate and energy goals, we need to be expanding these projects now.
Future interconnectors will be key to building a more integrated and sustainable electricity grid across Europe. However, if we don’t accelerate planning and development today, we risk not having the infrastructure ready when we need it most. Energy consumption is evolving, and so must our energy grid. More interconnectors mean more reliable energy, lower costs, and the ability to share renewables across borders seamlessly.
Here at Share Energy, we’re committed to embracing innovation and helping shape the future of energy supply. If you have any questions about how these interconnectors impact your energy or how we’re part of the energy revolution, feel free to reach out – we’re always plugged in and ready to chat.
Before you fly off...
From the press...
All systems go! Share Energy is live.
Welcome to Share Energy - the supplier that shares its profits 50/50.
From the Blog...
The hidden charges of the Northern Ireland energy market
A range of hidden charges from various regulatory bodies and operators contribute significantly to your bill each month.
In the community...
Share Energy shows up for Foyle Hospice
The Share Energy mascots went down a storm at the recent Foyle Hospice Fundraiser.
