The Celtic Interconnector An Introduction
EirGrid and Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) are the Transmission System Operators in Ireland and France. We manage, operate and develop the electricity transmission grid in our respective countries. As part of our roles, we have been investigating the possibility of a direct electrical link between both countries. We call this project the Celtic Interconnector. CelticSea 700 MW Capacity HVAC Electricity
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What is the Celtic Interconnector? The Celtic Interconnector would be the first direct energy link between Ireland and France. It would run from the south coast of Ireland to the north-west coast of France. If built, the Celtic Interconnector would use subsea cables to carry up to 700 MW of electricity. The total link would be approximately 600km in length. It would provide enough energy to power around 450,000 households. Like all long distance subsea cables, the electricity would be converted from AC to DC and then converted back at the other end.
Towards a more integrated European electricity system Interconnection is a very important part of modern power grids, as it allows power to flow between neighbouring electricity systems. It greatly improves energy security and creates a more competitive wholesale electricity market. The European Commission sees increased interconnection as a key step towards a more integrated electricity system.
More interconnection will provide several benefits. It will relieve congestion on electricity grids across the EU, create a more open and competitive market and help the EU’s energy and climate goals.
The European Commission considers the Celtic Interconnector to be an important move towards grid integration. As such, it has designated the project as an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI). PCIs can benefit from accelerated planning and permit granting.
They also have access to financial support from the Connecting Europe Facility. Under this programme, a €5.35 billion budget has been allocated for cross border energy infrastructure. The Celtic Interconnector has already been supported with €3.9 million that was provided for the feasibility phase. An additional €4 million has been approved for the current phase.
EirGrid Chief Executive Fintan Slye and RTE chairman François Brottes sign a memorandum of understanding on the Celtic Interconnector. The signing ceremony was witnessed by President François Hollande and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
The Celtic Interconnector has also been designated an ‘Electricity Highway’ under the EU supported e-Highway 2050 project. This identifies the project as part of developments on the European grid needed to meet the EU’s 2050 low carbon economy goals.
Why is the Celtic Interconnector important to Ireland and France? If built, the Celtic Interconnector will provide three main benefits:
It will improve the security of electricity supply in both Ireland and France. It will provide an additional supply of power, from a greater diversity of sources. For Ireland, on the periphery of the European Union, it will reduce its energy reliance on Great Britain. It will also provide Ireland’s only energy connection to an EU Member State following the Brexit process.
This project will facilitate increased electricity trading.
It will directly link the French electricity market with the Single Electricity Market on the island of Ireland. This will result in increased competition and downward pressure on electricity prices.
This project will further support the development of renewable sources of energy. Interconnection facilitates the development of renewable sources, particularly variable sources. This is because it allows for additional supply to be exported to new markets, and by providing a more flexible energy system.
One of the vessels which undertook a seabed survey of the proposed route of the Celtic Interconnector, and confirmed its feasibility.
What has happened so far? EirGrid and RTE have already completed a joint assessment of the feasibility of the Celtic Interconnector. This assessment considered several factors. These included a detailed suite of marine surveys, marine engineering studies, and a technical assessment. It also identified possible options for onshore elements of the project, and an initial cost benefit analysis. These studies have demonstrated that the Celtic Interconnector is a feasible project.
What will happen next? As part of the current phase of Initial Design and PreConsultation, EirGrid and RTE are undertaking: • additional marine surveys to identify options for a refined marine route • initial consultation activities in preparation for the statutory consultation and consenting processes • further cost benefit analysis to ensure the benefits for France and Ireland are robust • preparation for an Engineering Procurement Construction process.
On completion of the current phase, EirGrid, RTE and their respective regulators will decide whether to move to the next phase. This would involve project permitting and consenting, and procurement for the interconnector. A final decision to proceed with construction of the interconnector will happen in 2020/21. If the project goes ahead, the interconnector would go live in 2025/26. If completed, the Celtic Interconnector would be an important step towards an integrated European grid. It would make electricity supply more secure, sustainable and cost effective. As such, it would directly benefit the economies of Ireland and France.
To find out more about EirGrid, visit eirgridgroup.com • To find out more about RTE, visit rte-france.com For project information, contact celticinterconnector@eirgrid.com (Ireland) or eric.thebault@rte-france.com (France) Printed on recycled paper - please recycle The sole responsibility of this publication lies with the author. The European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.