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EirGrid Group has announced that construction work has began on the Celtic Interconnector Project.
Subcontractor Sorensen Civil Engineering Ltd has started the works on behalf of cable manufacturer, Nexans, who is working on behalf of EirGrid.
Sorensen Civil Engineering Ltd will complete cable construction works in preparation for the 575-kilometre cable which is being installed from east Cork to the north-west coast of Brittany. Nexans will design and install the cable between the two countries while Siemens Energy will deliver the converter station at Ballyadam, as well as other high-voltage transmission technology required at the network connection point at Knockraha.
Developed by EirGrid and its French counterpart, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE), the Celtic Interconnector will be the first interconnector between Ireland and continental Europe. Once delivered the interconnector will be able to import and export enough electricity to power 450,000 homes.
Michael Mahon, EirGrid Chief Infrastructure Officer, said: "These works mark the next step on Ireland’s energy transition journey. Thanks to the collaboration and cooperation of communities, agencies, and contractors, we are now able to progress these works. Linking our electricity grid with mainland Europe will not only mean greater prosperity for Ireland but will establish Cork as an energy hub.
"This transformative project is set to act as a catalyst in assuring Ireland’s energy security, along with delivering many other benefits, including applying downward pressure on the cost of electricity to consumers in Ireland and France. Once again, we thank the people of east Cork and the wider region for continuing to engage with us as we deliver this critical infrastructure."
