The Paris-based Nexans have won a contract for the “Celtic Interconnector” project, which is developed jointly by the Irish and French Transmission System Operators EirGrid and RTE – Réseau de Transport d’Electricité.
The Celtic Interconnector project, is the world longest XLPE interconnector (cross linked polyethylene cable) to be built, and the first subsea link for direct electricity exchange between France and Ireland, which is recognized as a project of common interest by the European Union, as the company says in a release.
It will allow the exchange of electricity between Ireland and France, supplying power to approximately 450,000 homes, and is key in developing an integrated energy system in Europe.
As it is mentioned by the company, the interconnection between France and Ireland will include a 500 km subsea cable route, 40km underground route in France (Brittany), and 35km underground route in Ireland (Cork County).
The cables will be produced in Nexans’ facilities with the 1,000 km of subsea cables to be manufactured in Halden (Norway), and the 180km underground cables to be manufactured in Charleroi (Belgium).
Nexans states, that this project, along with the newly built “Nexans Aurora” Cable Laying Vessel and key subcontractors, will ensure the highest installation and protection delivery standards.
The project is expected to be built and energized by 2026.
Source: Nexans
