Spain and Ireland: Bridging Renewable Energy Through an Electric Connection
Spain shines with sun and wind, but is drowning in its own green electricity . Solar and wind farms break generation records, yet a significant portion of this energy is wasted due to inefficiencies in the grid, insufficient storage, and limited connections to Europe. As Spain operates in “reinforced mode,” it seeks potential solutions to effectively manage its renewable surplus .
An Electric Bridge. In its quest to offload excess energy, Spain has identified Ireland as a prime partner. Irish Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien , announced that following discussions with Spanish Secretary of State Joan Groizard , both nations are working on constructing an underwater electrical interconnector. This structure will link Ireland and Spain, allowing for a seamless flow of electricity between the two countries.
In a statement to RTÉ News , Minister O’Brien revealed that the ambitious project aims for co-financing through European funds , with an expected completion by the mid-2030s. This cable is not merely an infrastructure detail; it will enable the trading of electricity, effectively balancing generation peaks. O’Brien also emphasized that “Spain is more likely to export energy to Ireland,” given its regular surplus of renewable power that often goes underutilized.
We’re Going to a Wedding. The concept of joining Spain and Ireland through an electric cable may sound unusual, but it embodies a pragmatic continental approach. Countries rich in green energy need avenues to sell their excess, while those facing isolation must find reliable sources to draw from. Spain stands as a notable representative of the former, boasting one of the largest renewable capacities in Europe—with over 40GW added since 2019. However, its international interconnection levels are just 2.8% , a far cry from the 15% target set by Europe for 2030.
Conversely, Ireland epitomizes the latter category, heavily reliant on the UK and France. It is among the nations, alongside Spain and Finland, most vulnerable to blackouts due to inadequate interconnections. A report by consulting firm Ember warns that 55% of Europe’s electricity system faces risks of blackouts without improved grid connectivity.
How Will the New Cable Work? The proposed high-voltage underwater interconnector (HVDC) aims to facilitate the movement of clean electricity over great distances—a technology successfully employed in other European cables. The venture draws inspiration from the Celtic Interconnector , which will link Ireland to France and is anticipated to commence operations by 2027 . Although the final route is yet to be determined, the Bay of Biscay is a strong contender, especially since an additional cable linking Spain and France is already in progress, co-financed by the European Investment Bank .
The political goal is transparently defined: to weave the networks of Europe’s peripheral regions into a cohesive interconnected system, making it less susceptible to blackouts and more adept in maximizing green energy utilization. Both Ireland and Spain recently spearheaded a meeting in Luxembourg with the “Friends of Renewables” group, collaborating with 15 Member States and the European Commission to discuss the new European Electricity Grids Package—seen as a cornerstone in facilitating affordable, safe, and clean renewable energy.
Everything Starts From the Cables. The current challenge lies not just in the production of renewable energy but also in the logistics of transporting and storing it. Spain invests a mere 30 cents in its grid for every euro allocated to renewable resources, a halving of the European average. This dynamic exacerbates the urgency for the cable project with Ireland, as it is part of a broader assortment of initiatives aimed at dismantling the energy isolation of the Iberian Peninsula .
If all outlined cables materialize, Spain could transition from being an “energy island” to an essential energy node linking Europe and Africa , effectively capable of exporting its renewable surpluses at competitive rates. The forthcoming evolution in European energy might very well commence here: through a submerged wire connecting the solar wealth of Spain to the homes of Ireland .
Image | Jules Verne Times Two
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