Deal opens up export of wind power to UK

Power grid operators signed a deal yesterday to investigate the feasibility of a 5,000 megawatt electricity transportation system which could export wind power from Ireland to the UK within five years.

The UK’s National Grid and Portugal’s grid operator REN are working on a feasibility study for the project alongside Dublin-based renewable-energy generator Mainstream Renewable Power. REN is 25% owned by China’s dominant utility firm State Grid Corp.

“REN believes this memorandum of understanding sets the ground for the study of a potentially groundbreaking infrastructure for the future of European energy highways,” REN chief executive Rui Cartaxo said in a statement.