A €500 million UK-Ireland electricity interconnector project had to be rerouted after planners realized the original path ran directly through a fictional character’s gravesite on a Welsh beach, according to project manager Simon Ludlam speaking on the Energy Revolution podcast.
Greenlink Interconnector Route Adjusted in Wales
Completed in February 2025, the Greenlink project connects EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford to a UK National Grid substation in Pembrokeshire, Wales. According to project details, the infrastructure spans roughly 160km subsea across the Irish Sea, alongside approximately 25km of underground route in Ireland and 5km underground in Wales.
Project manager Simon Ludlam explained on the Energy Revolution podcast that the half-a-billion-euro cable path was initially scheduled to cut straight through a popular fan tribute on Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire. The site marks the fictional film location where Dobby the House Elf dies in the 2002 movie Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
From BBC Broadcast to Public Backlash
The route conflict came to light after Ludlam filmed a segment with BBC Wales on Freshwater West beach. During the broadcast, he explained in graphic detail how the underground cable would run up into the dunes and transition into local roadways.
According to Ludlam, the broadcast generated hundreds of calls to the company within weeks. When a colleague informed him that the planned trenching would go straight through Dobby’s grave, Ludlam initially pushed back, asking who Dobby was and pointing out that the character and book were entirely fictitious.
His colleague insisted the issue was extremely serious, prompting Ludlam to consult with planners to redesign the path. “Actually, we went quite close to some real Bronze Age remains,” Ludlam told the podcast, noting that the team successfully avoided the fan memorial while navigating local archaeological sensitivities.
Balancing Modern Infrastructure and Cultural Landmarks
Pembrokeshire council planning documents noted that archaeological trenches near the underground cable route contained the rim of an inverted pottery vessel. Experts suggest the fabric points to a Bronze Age collared urn dating from circa 1700–1500 BC, which is typically associated with human burial.
The beach memorial itself has faced regulatory scrutiny outside of the energy project. In 2022, the National Trust agreed to let the rock-and-sock tribute remain following a consultation, but urged visitors not to leave souvenirs due to the environmental sensitivity of the coastal dunes.
Reflecting on the unexpected engineering hurdle, Ludlam noted that project managers must remain flexible and thoughtful. He added that while projects always encounter unique firsts, moving infrastructure for a fictitious character marked a first for his team.
Did you know? Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire has served as a filming location for major Hollywood productions, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Robin Hood, drawing thousands of visitors annually to its protected sand dunes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greenlink interconnector?
It is a subsea and underground electricity interconnector linking EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford to a UK National Grid substation in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Why was the Greenlink cable rerouted?
According to project manager Simon Ludlam, the original underground route in Wales was scheduled to run directly through the memorial site dedicated to Harry Potter character Dobby on Freshwater West beach.
When was the Greenlink project completed?
The interconnector was completed in February 2025.
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