Onshore cable installation has been completed in Ireland as part of the island’s first direct electricity interconnection with the European continent via a 500-kilometer subsea cable.
Developed by French and Irish transmission system operators (TSOs) Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) and EirGrid, the Celtic Interconnector will span approximately 575 kilometers between La Martyre in Brittany, France, and East Cork, Ireland.
EirGrid reported on May 28 that onshore works at Claycastle Beach in east Cork had been completed, with the final onshore cable installed from the landfall point, ready for the subsea cable from France to come ashore and connect into the underground cable on land.
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In parallel, comprehensive testing of the onshore cables has been completed, with 44 kilometers of high-voltage current (HVAC) and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable installed and operationally ready.
“Since breaking ground just over two and a half years ago, 44km of onshore cable has been installed, jointed and tested. These onshore operations included horizontal directional drilling, live rail crossings and a number of river crossings, overcoming engineering challenges to ensure successful installation,” said EirGrid Chief Financial Officer Michael Behan .
“Through careful planning, and ongoing engagement with communities and stakeholders we are progressing this key energy project which will strengthen Ireland’s electricity grid, connect us directly to Europe, and help support the energy transition .”
The Irish TSO further announced that offshore works were steadily continuing, with cable protection and burial works taking place in Irish waters following the installation of 84 kilometers of cable last year and 97 kilometers of cable laid in French waters this year.
With a transmission capacity of 700 MW, the Celtic Interconnector will be able to supply power equivalent to the needs of approximately 450,000 homes. Full commissioning is expected by 2028.