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Press Release21 September 2021Siemens EnergyMunich
Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric to supply HVDC technology for power link between Ireland and Great Britain
HVDC technology offers the most efficient means of transmitting large amounts of power over long
distances. Siemens Energy will be responsible for the overall system design and the construction of
two converter stations located close to the Great Island transmission substation in County Wexford
(Ireland) and the Pembroke transmission substation in Pembrokeshire (Wales). Both converter
stations will use Siemens Energy’s market leading HVDC PLUS technology with modular multi-level
arrangement (VSC-MMC) to convert Alternating Current to Direct Current and vice versa. Linked via
an HVDC XLPE (crosslinked polyethylene) cable system by Sumitomo, the stations will enable the
low-loss transport of energy with a voltage of 320 kilovolts. Siemens Energy’s scope of supply also
includes a Service and Maintenance Agreement with an initial duration of seven years.
James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink, commented: “We are delighted to have reached another
significant milestone in the delivery of the Greenlink project with the signing of the contract with
Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric. Greenlink is one of Europe’s most important energy infrastructure projects, contributing to energy security, regional investment, jobs and the costeffective integration of low carbon energy, and we have chosen a consortium with exceptional
experience, skill and standing in the energy and engineering sector for this major undertaking. We
will be looking to maximise local supply chain benefits during the three-year construction period
and we look forward to working with Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric towards successful
commissioning in 2024.”
Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy, said: “Interconnectors like
Greenlink play a critical role in strengthening the share of renewable sources in the European
energy mix and bolstering energy security. We at Siemens Energy are very pleased that Greenlink
chose our state-of-the-art HVDC technology, adding a new lighthouse project to our proven track
record of ten HVDC projects in implementation and more than 59 successfully completed projects
worldwide.”
Greenlink has key strategic importance, as it will provide significant additional interconnection
between Ireland and Great Britain, with onward connections to continental Europe. Leading to more import
and export capacity in both countries, GreenLink will enable a diversified energy mix, bolster
European energy security, and ultimately make the enhanced integration of renewable energy
possible. The European Union has recognized Greenlink’s contribution to security of supply and the
environment by designating it a “Project of Common Interest”.
The picture shows the inside of a converter hall.
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Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain – from power generation and transmission to storage. The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technology, such as gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers. More than 50 percent of the portfolio has already been decarbonized. A majority stake in the listed company Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy employs more than 90,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of around €27.5 billion in fiscal year 2020.