Ireland – Construction work for electricity power lines – The MaresConnect 750MW HVDC Interconnector System

The MaresConnect Project is a proposed 750 MW, 320 kV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electricity interconnector linking Denbighshire, Wales and North County Dublin, Ireland. Developed by MaresConnect Limited, a joint venture between Foresight Group Holdings Ltd and Etchea Energy Nominees Ltd, the project will transmit electricity via approximately 240 km of subsea and underground cables between new converter stations on each side. It aims to enhance security of supply, market integration, and renewable energy utilisation between the Irish and GB grids. MaresConnect shall utilise Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology and the configuration shall be a Symmetrical Monopole. The rated DC voltage shall be +/-320 kV. The link shall be bi-directional and shall have a rated power (receiving end) of 750 MW. The project is being procured as separate EPC (Turnkey) contracts, divided into four lots: LOT 1A: EPC for two HVDC Converter Stations; LOT 1B: EPC for one Irish 400kV AC Tail Substation; LOT 2A: EPC for the HVDC subsea and underground cable system, and for the HVAC underground cable system in Wales (Bodelwyddan); LOT 2B: EPC for the supply and installation of HVAC cable system in Ireland (Dublin). The contract model for the lots will be amended FIDIC Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects (Silver Book). MaresConnect has conducted Preliminary Market Engagement prior to publication of this Contract Notice and encourages further collaboration between OEMs and Construction Contractors to establish bidding arrangements in time for the next step of the Procurement Process (notably the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire).