Celtic Interconnector cable-laying begins off Cork coast

Laying of the submarine cable for the Celtic Interconnector project commended this week, a “landmark moment” for the plan to link the electricity grids of Ireland and France.

The next phase of the project was signalled by the arrival of the specialist marine vessel Calypso, which will lay the high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable for the project, which is being developed with EirGrid and its French equivalent, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTÉ).

The Celtic Interconnector project will create an electrical interconnection between Ireland and France to allow the exchange of electricity between the two countries. 

The connection will link the existing electricity substation located in Knockraha (in east Cork) to the substation in La Martyre (Finistère, France).

Co-funded by the EU Connecting Europe Fund this will be the first interconnector between Ireland and continental Europe when complete, travelling from east Cork to the north-west coast of Brittany.

The specialist marine vessel, which arrived from Norway into the Port of Cork, has started the cable laying along an 84km section of the route. When fully complete, the HVDC cable will span 500km from east Cork to the north-west of Brittany and will allow the exchange of 700MW of electricity, equal to powering 450,000 homes.

The cable is being laid onto the seabed by the Calypso, with burial works done by two further vessels.

The cable lay and burial operations are being carried out in summer, to align with the best weather conditions. Marine survey teams have mapped the seabed in advance of works to chart the optimal route for the cable, with EirGrid liaising with local fisheries and marine users.

Speaking about the marine campaign, Michael Behan, Chief Financial Officer at EirGrid said: “EirGrid is proud to welcome this latest phase of works on the Celtic Interconnector project, which really shows the progress being made on this key energy project for Ireland.

“This feat of engineering that will take place over the coming weeks is testament to the collaboration, innovation and care required to deliver this critical infrastructure. We remain grateful for the continued patience and support of communities, landowners, and stakeholders as we progress this project.” 

The cable laying installation is just one element of this strategic infrastructure project being developed. The project’s onshore phase has seen approximately 10km of high voltage alternating current (HVAC) cable installed in roads, with HVDC cabling works currently being progressed.

Meanwhile, civil works at the project’s converter station, located at Ballyadam, near Carrigtwohill, are near completion, with internal fitouts of the converter hall progressing well.

A €2.4 million Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund has been established by EirGrid, recognising the importance of local communities who play an important role in facilitating grid infrastructure.