Celtic Interconnector

Celtic Interconnector is a proposed 700 MW HVDC submarine power cable between the southern coast of Ireland and the north-west coast of France.[1]

Celtic Interconnector
Location
CountryIreland, France
Coordinates52°0′0″N 8°0′0″W
48°0′0″N 4°0′0″W
General directionnorth-south
FromIreland
Passes throughCeltic Sea
ToFrance
Ownership information
PartnersEirGrid, RTE
Construction information
Expected2025
Technical information
Typesubmarine cable
Type of currentHVDC
Total length575 km (357 mi)
Power rating700 MW
DC voltage± 320 kV or ± 500 kV

If built, it will be the first interconnector between the two countries.

Route

The cable with run between the Knockraha substation in Cork to the La Martyre substation in Finistère.[2]

Of its total length of 575 km, 500 km would pass through Irish, British and French waters[1] of the Celtic Sea.

Three potential landing sites on the Cork coast have been identified and six locations (Ballyadam, Leamlara, Knockraha, Pigeon Hill, Kilquane and Ballyvatta) are under consideration for the HVDC converter station.[3]

Technical specification

The electrical interconnector would be the first between the two countries, has an expected cost of €1bn and a planned capacity of 700 MW[1] i.e. an annual transmission capacity of 6.1 TWh.

The project also includes plans for a direct fibre optic communications link between Ireland and France.[4][5]

Project promoters

The project is a cooperation between the Irish transmission system operator (TSO) EirGrid and French TSO Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTE) for the purpose of improving security of supply, reducing consumer electricity costs and supporting the development of renewable energy.[1][6]

Project history

In May 2018 the project was granted a Foreshore License to begin marine surveys for the potential landing sites at Ballinwilling, Claycastle and Redbarn Beaches, County Cork.[7]

The project has been given preliminary approval for European Investment Bank funding as part of preparations by Ireland for Brexit,[8] for €530 million.[9] The project has been designated a European Project of Common Interest as part of the European Super Grid.[10]

In July 2016 after completion of a feasibility study the two countries agreed to proceed with a two-year planning phase.[6]

Current status

The current planning phase includes an economic assessment, environmental considerations and will determine the placement of the cable and onshore stations, while a decision initially due on the project is foreseen for 2020 or 2021.[11] However, due to the potential impact of Brexit on electricity trading over the existing Ireland - UK HVDC interconnectors, planning for the Celtic Interconnector has accelerated in recent years. A planning application for the Irish landing site and converter station is expected by summer 2020.[12]

The cable is expected to be operational by 2025.[1]

See also

References
  1. "President Hollande and An Taoiseach Kenny agree €1 billion Ireland-France Electricity Interconnector". 4coffshore.com. 2016-07-21. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
  2. "Celtic Interconnector: interconnection project between France and Ireland". RTE. RTE. p. Overview:What does the Celtic Interconnector Project entail?. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  3. https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/business/shortlist-of-sites-chosen-for-submarine-electricity-cable-between-france-and-ireland-917135.html
  4. "Celtic Interconnector". eirgridgroup.com. Retrieved 2017-08-12.
  5. "EUR 4 million EU funding for proposed electricity link between France and Ireland - Energy - European Commission". ec.europa.eu. 2017-06-28. Retrieved 2017-08-12.
  6. Hunt, Gordon (2016-07-21). "Subsea electricity cable linking Ireland and France powers ahead". siliconrepublic.com. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
  7. https://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/foreshore/applications/EirGrid-plc-ballinwilling-claycastle-redbarn-beaches
  8. https://www.thejournal.ie/celtic-interconnector-eib-4282811-Oct2018/
  9. "EU Backs Celtic Interconnector and Harmony Link". Subsea World News. 4 December 2019.
  10. http://www.eirgridgroup.com/the-grid/projects/celtic-interconnector/whats-happening-now/
  11. Bairstow, Jonny (2016-07-25). "Ireland-France power link reaches planning stage". energylivenews.com. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
  12. https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/part-of-930m-celtic-interconnector-may-run-along-former-midleton-youghal-railway-922775.html
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