Construction on the 700-MW Celtic Interconnector, designed to establish a direct electricity link between Ireland and France, was officially inaugurated on Monday. Irish Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, and French Energy Minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, marked the beginning of the project, set to complete in 2026, with grid integration anticipated by 2027.
The Celtic Interconnector aims to create a crucial electricity connection between Ireland and the European Union. In a significant development at the EirGrid offices in Dublin, Ireland, both countries signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Energy Transition Cooperation. This agreement underscores heightened collaboration on onshore wind and solar development and a shared commitment to accelerating the deployment of offshore renewables and energy systems, according to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Concurrently, Irish and French transmission system operators, EirGrid and Reseau de Transport d'Electricite (RTE), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance energy security, foster an affordable energy system, and diversify energy supply in Europe. The plans encompass the establishment of a joint working group and an assessment of the long-term interest in a potential new interconnection with Ireland, potentially of a hybrid nature.
EirGrid's Chief Executive, Mark Foley, emphasized the significance of collaboration with France, highlighting the mutual benefits of realizing offshore renewable energy potential. This collaboration is expected to contribute to strengthening energy security and establishing an affordable and diversified energy system for both nations.
