The East–West Interconnector is a 500 MW high-voltage direct current submarine and subsoil power cable from 2012 which connects the Irish and British electricity markets, between Dublin and the Wales/England border.

[citation needed] ESB Power Generation announced in 2007 its intention to withdraw approximately 1,300 MW of capacity by 2010.

This closure of older inefficient power plants, such as a 461 MW fossil fuel capacity at Poolbeg Generating Station Dublin,[2] and coupled with the high growth demand forecasts presented, created a major threat to the security of the Irish electricity grid.

[3] The interconnection will enhance security of supply and grid stability on both countries and create conditions suitable for the development of a new regional market.

In 2004 the Commission for Energy Regulation on request of the Irish Government sought proposals from the private sector to construct two 500 MW merchant interconnectors between Ireland and Wales.

A private project was established by Imera Power who was contracted to develop two 350 MW interconnectors through its affiliate East West Cable One Ltd. in 2006.

The interconnector re-entered service on 20 December 2016 with a fully rated 500 MW import, however exports to the UK were still limited to roughly 280MW.