EirGrid has welcomed the successful delivery and installation of major power transformers for the Celtic Interconnector, the subsea link that will connect the electricity grids of Ireland and France.

Four transformers, each weighing 240 tonnes, arrived at Aghada Power Station in Cork following shipment from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, before being transported to the project’s converter station site at Ballyadam in east Cork.

The equipment will be crucial in matching voltage levels at the converter station to those of the transmission system, enabling the interconnector to connect to the grid.

-- Advertisement --

Each transformer, large in both scale and complexity, was moved from Aghada to the converter station near Carrigtwohill on specialist vehicles measuring 94 metres in length.

Speaking after the transport and delivery operation, EirGrid Chief Financial Officer Michael Behan said: "This delivery required meticulous planning, execution and collaboration between multiple teams, contractors and stakeholders.

"We thank our contractors, stakeholders, local authorities and An Garda Siochána for ensuring public safety at all times throughout this recent operation.

"Reaching this point in the project is testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, and we look forward to progressing the delivery of this key energy project."

The project is co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Union and, when delivered, will allow the exchange of 700 MW of electricity between Ireland and France, equal to powering 450,000 homes.