The £350m privately-financed infrastructure project is being developed by Greenlink Interconnector Limited, a subsidiary of Cork-based Element Power, and is due to commence construction in 2020.

Work packages include the design, construction and maintenance of the undersea and underground HVDC cable system as well as the design, construction and maintenance of converter stations in Wexford in Ireland, and Pembrokeshire in Wales.

Simon Ludlam, Project Director for Greenlink, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and follows our recent market consultation with the supply chain over the summer.

“We will run a competitive tender to drive down costs and ensure maximum benefit for consumers.  In parallel we are running our subsea surveys that will determine the optimal cable route across the Irish Sea to inform the procurement process.

“Greenlink is looking forward to a constructive dialogue with suppliers over the next year to select its preferred bidders and move to the award of contracts for the construction phase in 2020.”

The procurement process is being run by WSP on behalf of Greenlink Interconnector Limited. Interested firms should email the consultant before 12 October. Click here for OJEU notice.