Power boost for Intel’s Ireland fab expansion
EirGrid, Ireland’s electricity transmission system, is planning a new 220 kV electricity substation alongside the Intel fab and new electricity circuits in the local area.
Back in January Intel submitted a planning application to expand the site over and above an application in 2017, bringing the cumulative investment in Ireland since 1989 to $13.9 bn.
“This application for extension and revision, if granted, will enable further development of the west-side of our Leixlip campus in addition to what is currently permitted,” said Eamonn Sinnott, General Manager of Intel Ireland and Vice President of the Technology and Manufacturing Group.
“It is important to note that the site expansion, and related investment, is expected to entail multi-year construction activities that will be taken in stages. As always, these stages are subject to change based on business, economic and other factors,” he said.
Over the past few months EirGrid has evaluated and consulted with local people on possible solutions. The chosen option is a new substation with Gas Insulated Switchgear technology immediately north of the Intel facility and the Rye Water in neighbouring Kellystown. This is a high-voltage substation in which the major structures are houses in a sealed environment.
An underground cable that crosses lands to the east of Ravensdale Demesne will connect the substation to the nearby Maynooth-Woodland transmission line. New cables will also connect the substation directly to the Intel fab. These will be installed below the Rye Water.
EirGrid will submit a planning application for the project later this summer.
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