The Celtic Interconnector reaches a major milestone
The Celtic Interconnector, a new electricity interconnector between The Republic of Ireland, France, and the rest of the European Union, has reached a major milestone, achieving final investment approval on 8 November, and laying the groundwork for greater sustainability and security across EU energy grids.
We have been working with EirGrid since 2020 to support the programme, collaborating across countries to provide services in programme and project management as well as procurement – including commercial management and tender evaluation.
On 24 November 2022 French President Emmanuel Macron and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced an EU grant for the project which has been recognised as a Project of Common Interest for the bloc.
The 575km-long subsea link will allow the exchange of electricity in both directions: Ireland – France and France – Ireland. Once completed, the interconnector will have the capacity to transfer up to 700 megawatts of electricity between Ireland and France – enough energy to power around 450,000 homes.
The Celtic Interconnector will help to reduce costs for consumers by delivering a more secure energy supply and exporting electricity that may otherwise be wasted. It will also facilitate increased levels of renewable energy being integrated into the European system, helping the EU to decarbonise its networks.
Gary Easton, infrastructure lead for Europe, said:
“We have been working closely with EirGrid over the past two years to drive this major infrastructure programme forwards effectively and we’re pleased to see it pass this most recent milestone. As Europe continues to enhance the self-sufficiency, security and cost efficiency of its energy network, we’re proud to play our part in supporting the development of a more sustainable electricity mix in Ireland and France and we look forward to the next stage of the project.”