Ireland’s electrical network will soon be hooked up to continental Europe via the Celtic Interconnector between the republic and France, writes Siemens Energy in a press statement.

The Germany company is hired to supply high-voltage direct current cables for the transmission line of 575km.

Two converter stations Siemens Energy is building on each end of the cable will enable bidirectional transmission of up to 700MW, with both sides equipped to convert alternating current into DC ­ and vice versa.

“The increasing interconnection of European electricity grids enables consumers to benefit from a more open electricity market, higher energy security and lower electricity costs. It demonstrates that only together we can manage the energy triangle of affordability, reliability, and security,” writes Siemens Energy’s Tim Holt, executive board member, in the media release.

Celtic Interconnector, scheduled to commission in 2026, is being developed in cooperation with system operators EirGrid and RTE.

The contract price is undisclosed, but Siemens Energy says the order value ”is in the mid three-digit million-euro range”.

In 2021, Siemens Energy supplied technology for another interconnector between Republic of Ireland and the UK, also using HVDC technology.

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