France: Nexans has completed the first cable pull-in operation in France for the 700 MW Celtic Interconnector project, following a similar operation earlier in Ireland. This milestone marks important progress for one of Europe’s key cross-border energy infrastructure projects.
The interconnector is being developed by French transmission system operator RTE and Irish operator EirGrid. It will enable electricity exchange between the two countries and is expected to supply power equivalent to around 450,000 homes.
EirGrid CFO Michael Behan said reaching the French milestone is a major step forward, highlighting strong progress and close cooperation between teams in both countries.
Nexans carried out the pull-in work as part of its offshore installation scope, supported by the cable-laying vessel Calypso. The project stretches approximately 575 km between La Martyre in Brittany, France, and East Cork in Ireland.
It uses 320 kV HVDC technology, with around 500 km of offshore cable. The system also includes about 40 km of underground cable in France, 35 km in Ireland, and a 10 km 400 kV alternating current link to the Irish grid.
Nexans is responsible for engineering, manufacturing, and installation of the full cable system. Production takes place across several European sites, including Halden in Norway, Charleroi in Belgium, and Cortaillod in Switzerland.
The company said the project is a landmark for European energy infrastructure and will help strengthen energy resilience while supporting renewable integration across borders. The Celtic Interconnector is also recognised as a Project of Common Interest by the EU.
Source: Power Technology
