New interconnector would be better for Island

Tapping into western link scheme wouldn't be suitable 

A second interconnector is a better option than tapping into a planned electricity table in the Irish Sea, Manx Utilities has said. 

Vice chair Peter Reid MLC gave an update on plans for 'Manx 2' following a question from Onchan MHK Rob Callister. 

Mr Callister had asked whether Manx Utilities had explored connecting to the Western Link 2 interconnector between Scotland and Wales.

Western Link 2 is proposed as a 525 kV, 2 GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link between offshore wind farms in Scotland and make landfall on the Gwynedd coastline in North Wales.

As part of this, the proposed route will pass through Scottish, Northern Irish, Manx and Welsh waters.

However, Mr Reid explained that the Island 'operates on alternating current' and is 'therefore fundamentally different in both technology and scale from the type of interconnection being considered for the Island'.

He said: "A connection could not simply be taken from the Western Link 2 cable into the Manx electricity network. Additional infrastructure would be required to make any such connection compatible with the Island's AC system and electricity requirements."

The Western Link 2 scheme is designed to transfer up to two gigawatts of power, whereas the Island’s peak electricity requirement is approximately 75 megawatts equivalent to only 3.75%.

As a result, Mr Reid said the work required would be 'substantial relative to the Island’s modest capacity requirements'.

The MLC added that Manx Utilities' Manx 2 feasibility work is specifically examining a second interconnector appropriate to the Island's needs and that ongoing work includes scoping and preparing for UK landfall surveys.

He said: "On the basis of the work undertaken to date, Manx Utilities considers that a purpose-designed second interconnector is a more appropriate basis on which to develop additional interconnection for the Island than seeking to establish a direct connection to Western Link 2. 

"Any future interconnection option would need to demonstrate both technical and commercial feasibility, taking account of security of supply, resilience, affordability and the Island's future electricity requirements."

Earlier this year, the then chair of Manx Utilities John Wannenburgh MHK told Tynwald an estimated £200m figure was only 'indicative' and an 'estimate should be regarded as a high-level planning figure which is likely to vary if and as the project develops'.