THE FIRST EVER electricity connector between the Republic of Ireland and mainland Britain’s power grids will be officially opened later today.

260km in length, the East-West Interconnector project has the capacity to carry 500 megawatts of electricity  between the two countries, enough energy to power 350,000 homes. According to Eirgrid, which lead the consruction of the project, the new connection will enhance the safety of supply into Ireland while also offering a market for Ireland to export energy from its growing wind energy industry.

It runs from Woodland, Co Meath to Deeside, north Wales, and will begin commercial operations on October 1st.

Another connection, called the Moyle Interconnector, already connects Ireland and Britain from Islandmagee in Northern Ireland to Auchencrosh, Scotland.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabitte will officially switch on the interconnector at an event in Batterstown, Co Meath.