This paper compares the site aspects of a Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC-HVDC) project and a Line-Commutated Converter (LCC-HVDC) project of similar rating. Initially a brief description of the two technologies is presented. Then the project information for the EWIC (Shotton) and Grita (Galatina) sites is provided. Next, a comparison of the overall sites and converter buildings is given. This considers footprint, as well as building height and volume. Finally a comparison is made using the latest cascaded two-level (CTL) technology, against both the two-level technology used at EWIC and the LCC-HVDC technology used at Galatina.

The EirGrid East-West Interconnector between Ireland and Wales, which uses ABB's HVDC Light® VoltageSourced Converter (VSC) technology, is to date the world's most powerful VSC scheme, it is the first commercial VSC project connected to Ireland, and it is the first HVDC Light® scheme to use ±200kV cables.Ireland has plans to expand wind power generation and the link will facilitate the addition of renewables and provide the possibility to export or import energy to / from the UK market. The new link also enhances security of supply in the Irish grid, allows both Ireland and the UK access to more competition and provides black-start capabilities. This paper presents an overview of the EirGrid East-WestInterconnector project, considering the Converter topology, System Design, Overview of the VSC technology used, and some of the significant execution-phase site works issues.

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