Siemens wins contract to modernise UK high voltage link

21 Jun 2020

Siemens originally installed the HVDC Moyle interconnector, which connects Northern Ireland and Scotland, in 2001.

Germany’s Siemens Gas and Power (Siemens Energy) has been awarded a contract to upgrade the Moyle interconnector, a high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) link between Ballycronan More in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and Auchencrosh in Scotland.

The 500MW interconnector is almost 20 years old, and the refurbishment will increase the reliability of the power supply. The interconnector was originally installed by Siemens in 2001 and is owned and operated by Mutual Energy.

The scope of works will include: detailed design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of the control and protection system (including the replacement of auxiliary supplies, valve base electronics and measurement system) and the supply of a control training simulator.

The submarine connection is made up of two 250MW cables and can operate in either direction. Electrical interconnection between Northern Ireland and Scotland had been under discussion for more than 30 years when the project began in 1990.