Celtic Interconnector Project Advances with Converter Station Completion

Severity: Low (Score: 18.8)

Sources: Siliconrepublic, Offshore-Energy.Biz

Summary

The Celtic Interconnector project, linking France and Ireland, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the Ar Merzher converter station in Brittany. This infrastructure will facilitate the first direct electricity interconnection between the European continent and Ireland, spanning approximately 575 kilometers. The project, developed by Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) and EirGrid, has a transmission capacity of 700 MW, sufficient to power around 450,000 homes. The construction of the converter station was completed on April 28, 2026, with main works expected to finalize in May and energization planned for June 2026. The project aims to enhance energy security, improve grid resilience, and support renewable energy integration across Europe. The cable installation is currently underway, with marine operations having started in the summer of 2025. Full commissioning of the project is anticipated by 2028. Key Points: • The Celtic Interconnector will connect France and Ireland for the first time. • The Ar Merzher converter station is essential for converting electricity between AC and DC. • The project aims to enhance energy security and support renewable energy integration.

Key Entities

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