Work starts on Celtic Interconnector as ship arrives in Cork to lay underwater cable

Construction has officially commenced on the underwater cable for the Celtic Interconnector, the first electricity link between Ireland and mainland Europe. This significant milestone is part of a €1 billion initiative aimed at connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and France. The project is expected to enhance energy exchange and bolster renewable energy integration across both nations.

Key Developments in the Celtic Interconnector Project

This week, the specialist marine vessel Calypso arrived at the Port of Cork from Norway, carrying a massive cable spool. The vessel will begin laying an 84-kilometer section of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable, which is part of the estimated 500 kilometers needed to connect East Cork to Brittany in northern France. While both Ireland and France utilize high voltage alternative current (HVAC) technology for local electricity distribution, HVDC technology is more efficient for long-distance transmission.

The Calypso’s crew will lay the HVDC cable on the seabed, which will later be buried by two additional vessels. This operation is sensitive to weather conditions, prompting the work to be scheduled during the summer months for optimal conditions. Prior to the cable installation, marine survey teams conducted thorough mapping of the seabed to determine the best route. EirGrid, the project developer, is actively coordinating with local fisheries and marine users to ensure minimal disruption during the installation process.

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Once completed, the entire 575-kilometer Celtic Interconnector will facilitate the exchange of 700 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 450,000 homes. The cable will make landfall at Youghal, where preparations have been underway at Claycastle Beach. Additionally, extensive cable installation is ongoing along roads and fields in East Cork, connecting the landing point to a new converter station at Ballyadam, near Carrigtwohill. This station will convert the HVDC electricity from France into HVAC for the Irish grid and vice versa for any electricity exported from Ireland.

Project Timeline and Future Prospects

The Celtic Interconnector is a collaborative effort between EirGrid, which manages Ireland’s electricity grid, and its French counterpart, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTÉ). The project is co-funded by the EU’s Connecting Europe Fund, highlighting its significance in enhancing energy infrastructure across Europe.

EirGrid’s Chief Financial Officer, Michael Behan, emphasized the importance of this phase of the project, stating that it reflects the progress being made on a vital energy initiative for Ireland. He expressed gratitude for the support and patience of local communities and stakeholders as the project advances. The construction is projected to be completed by 2028, a timeline that has been extended due to various challenges, including adverse weather conditions.