The Celtic Interconnector is a high-voltage submarine power cable that will link the electricity grids of Ireland and France. It will allow Ireland to export surplus renewable (wind and solar) energy to France during times of excess generation and to import from France when needed thereby bringing greater security of supply as well as reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions. Ireland is working to double the share of electricity from renewable sources to 80% by 2030.
The project is being developed by EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, and its French counterpart RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité).
Michael Mahon, Chief Infrastructure Officer at EirGrid said:
“This project will play a key role in reaching government targets when it comes to renewable energy. Currently, 40% of our electricity comes from renewable energy, and this project will certainly help the government target of 80%.”
In 2019, the project was awarded a Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grant worth €530.7 million. CEF also co-funded the prefeasibility studies and the initial design and pre-consultation phases to the tune of €6.8 million.
The Interconnector will run from the electricity substation in Knockraha in East Cork to La Martyre in Brittany and will have the capacity to import and export enough electricity to power 450,000 homes when it becomes operational by March 2027.
Members of the community in Knockraha have welcomed the project, which is expected to create up to 300 construction jobs on site for several years, as well as several service roles to support the operation and use of equipment once operational.
A community benefit fund of €2.4 million has also been set up with the first phase awarding funding to sustainability, community and biodiversity projects in the Cork area over the last number of months.
“The biggest challenge isn’t the engineering or project management, it’s getting public support, so we’re really grateful to the locality for that”, Mr. Mahon concluded.
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said the Celtic Interconnector was of paramount importance and will “end Ireland’s isolation from the Union’s power system and ensure a reliable high-capacity link improving the security of electricity supply and supporting the development of renewables in both Ireland and France”.
More information
- Project locations
- Co. Cork, Ireland
- EU contribution
- €537 500 000
- Project website
- CEF Energy and the Celtic Interconnector