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Celtic Interconnector IR
29 June 2023

EirGrid To Open First Phase of Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund

Announcing the launch of EirGrid's Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund were Michelle Walsh, Community Liaison Officer Celtic Interconnector; Suzanne Kearney, Assistant CEO and Programme Manager,…
Celtic Interconnector IR
21 April 2023

Tánaiste Micheál Martin Opens New EirGrid Office in Cork

Tánaiste Micheál Martin speaking at the opening of EirGrid’s Cork office in April, 2023. Pic: Clare Keogh EirGrid, the developer and operator of Ireland’s electricity…
RTE_VisuelCeltic Interconnector IR
23 May 2022

EirGrid Welcomes Celtic Interconnector Planning Decision

EirGrid welcomes today’s decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant approval for the Celtic Interconnector Project, subject to a number of conditions. The Celtic Interconnector…
Consultation PCICeltic Interconnector IR
23 March 2021

UK PCI public consultation report available

Following on from the consultations carried out in France and Ireland, information concerning how the project impacts the United Kingdom was made available to the…

Celtic Interconnector,
connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and France

The Celtic Interconnector project aims to create an electrical interconnection between France and Ireland to allow the exchange of electricity between the two countries. It is being developed by EirGrid, the electricity transmission system operator in Ireland, and its French counterpart, RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité).

THE CONNECTION

Celtic Interconnector,
a European Project of Common Interest

To facilitate the movement of electricity flows on a European scale

To strengthen security of supply between countries

To support the development of a more sustainable electricity mix in France and in Ireland

FAQs

1. How does this project serve Europe’s interests?

To achieve its climate and energy goals, Europe needs to further develop cross-border electricity interconnections. The Celtic Interconnector project will help to meet these targets for interconnection which are key to the achievement of Europe’s energy transition. Through facilitating more renewable energy to come onto the network, interconnection will also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with power generation in Europe.
Through a decision issued on the 14th of October 2013, the European Union recognised the France-Ireland interconnector as a Project of Common Interest (PCI). This was reconfirmed on the 23rd of November 2017. The EU also labelled the Celtic Interconnector as an e-Highway project in November 2015.
In addition, the project will also help to achieve plans to develop the French, Irish and European network (TYNDP-Ten Year Network Development Plan).

2. Does France need another connection (since France has already reached the 10% threshold of interconnections)?

Interconnection is seen as key to a more integrated European electricity system with the aim of completing the European energy market. In turn this is seen as important in order to help the EU achieve its energy policy and climate objectives of affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all citizens, as well as the long-term decarbonisation of the economy.

3. Why is a high voltage direct-current (DC) connection being used?

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is the only viable option given the distances needing to be covered.

To find out more about the consultation

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