EirGrid has taken formal acceptance of the East West Interconnector from

contractor ABB following a series of successful system tests.

The interconnector was developed by EirGrid and the contract to design, manufacture and install it was awarded to the Swiss/Swedish engineering firm ABB. The cable runs between Deeside in north Wales and Woodland, County Meath. Approximately 260km in length, the underground and undersea link has the capacity to transport 500 megawatts of electricity.

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Fintan Slye, Chief Executive of EirGrid, said he is delighted at the performance of the interconnector: "It has been operating very well and is fully booked commercially, putting downward pressure on electricity prices."

According to the Bord Gáis Energy Index the interconnector contributed to wholesale electricity price reductions during May.

The estimated cost for the interconnector was €601 million and it has been delivered significantly under the original budget. The development also received a grant of €110 million from the European Union.

(CD/MH)