The initial consignments of bespoke onshore high voltage electricity cable have successfully arrived in Cork.
The subsea link, connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and France, is a effort between electricity grid operator EirGrid and its French counterpart Réseau de Transport d'Électricité.
The transportation of the specialized HVAC cables from a manufacturing facility in Belgium to Cork's Ringaskiddy deep water port is a major development in the project's implementation.
Once completed, the Celtic Interconnector will facilitate the import and export of electricity capable of powering 450,000 homes, establishing a direct link between Ireland’s electricity system and mainland Europe for the first time.
Ireland aims to achieve up to 80% of the country's energy from renewables by 2030.
The project is intended to enable Ireland to export renewable energy, while ensuring a secure and sustainable energy supply for its citizens.
Partially funded by the EU through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), a fund to enhance Europe’s energy, transport, and digital networks, Eirgrid says the Celtic Interconnector holds a pivotal role in the continent's energy infrastructure.
Michael Mahon, EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, attributed the successful delivery to meticulous planning and collaboration among various stakeholders, including project teams, contractors, logistics partners, port authorities, and An Garda Síochána.
Mahon emphasized the achievement as a major step forward in establishing a vital energy connection to Europe.
Remaining deliveries of electricity cable are scheduled over the upcoming weeks, allowing the construction team to maintain pace towards the project's targeted completion in 2026.
