The subsea cable route of the Celtic Interconnector, the proposed interconnector connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and France, passes approximately 30 km to the west of the Isles of Scilly and 75 km west of the UK coast. As such, the interconnector cable will pass through the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) over a distance of approximately 211km.
The future interconnector between Ireland and France concerns an area that is outside English territorial waters. While it is not anticipated that the project will have any technical or environmental impact on UK territory, the relevant environmental information will be prepared by the project promoters and submitted to the Competent Authority in the UK (Marine Management Organisation) for their consideration.
As a recognised Project of Common Interest (PCI) by the European Commission since 2013, RTE and EirGrid are providing public information and consulting with UK stakeholders as part of the relevant PCI process. This consultation is primarily to address any queries from stakeholders potentially affected by the project, including the fishermen and residents of the southwest of England and the Isles of Scilly, plus answer queries from any members of the public who wish to learn about and express an opinion on the project.
This consultation supplements the consultation processes for the project in France and in Ireland. The public can find the information specifically concerning the UK here.
An online-consultation process, which will allow stakeholders to ask any questions they have to the project team, will be available on this website www.celticinterconnector.eu from June 16th – July 13th 2020.
EirGrid
Based in Dublin, EirGrid is a state-owned company that is responsible for a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity across the island of Ireland – now and in the future. It develops, manages and operates the electricity transmission grid in Ireland. As part of its role, it is required to explore and develop opportunities to connect the Irish transmission grid with the transmission grids in other countries.
For full information on EirGrid please go to www.eirgrid.com
RTE
RTE is the French transmission system operator. Its public service mission is to provide to all of its customers economical, reliable and clean access to electrical power. RTE connects its customers using an adapted network, providing them with targeted and valuable solutions for economic efficiency, respect for the environment and supply security. For this purpose, RTE manages, maintains and develops the high and extra-high voltage transmission grid. RTE is responsible for keeping the balance between supply and demand in a reliable and safe electricity system. RTE transmits electricity between suppliers (French and European) and users. With 105 660 km of 63 000 to 400 000 volt lines and 50 cross-border lines, the French grid is connected to 33 European countries providing electricity trading opportunities essential for economic optimisation of the electricity system.
For full information on RTE please go to www.rte-france.com
