Designer Group wins Celtic Interconnector contract
Paul Nicholls, CEO of Designer Group, who has been awarded a contract for the prestigious Celtic Interconnector project.
Designer Group has been awarded a contract for the prestigious Celtic Interconnector project, a landmark initiative that will establish the first direct electricity link between Ireland and France.
Designer Group, working with Siemens Energy, will play a critical role in delivering the project, leveraging its experience in complex electrical and mechanical infrastructure.
The Celtic Interconnector is a collaboration between EirGrid, Ireland’s electricity transmission system operator, and its French counterpart, Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTÉ) and will travel from east Cork to the north-west of Brittany.
Spanning approximately 575 kilometres — 500 kilometres of which will be under the sea — this high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link will enable the exchange of 700 megawatts (MW) of electricity between the two countries, enough to power around 450,000 homes.
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Paul Nicholls, CEO of Designer Group said: “This is a hugely significant project for Ireland and Europe. Upon completion it will be a key step in strengthening Ireland’s energy security, allowing for the development of a more sustainable and interconnected electricity network.
“We are very pleased to have won this contract as it reinforces Designer Group’s reputation as an Irish company who can execute and manage large scale energy projects.”
The project will provide several advantages for Ireland:
- Greater Energy Security — A direct link to another EU electricity grid ensures a more stable and resilient energy supply.
- Lower Energy Costs — Increased competition and efficiency in electricity markets will benefit consumers.
- Support for Renewables — The interconnector allows greater integration of renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering emissions.
Electricity flows from the underwater electricity cable between Cork and Brittany are expected to begin in 2026. The construction on the project began in November 2023.
The cable will move electricity across the Celtic Sea in both directions, providing a key contribution to Ireland’s security of electricity supply through a direct link to continental Europe.
Designer Group is an Irish-owned and headquartered company, specialising in the delivery of mechanical and electrical engineering services.
Designer Group operates across the energy, industry and life sciences sectors, in core building services and in data centres. The company employs 1,250 people and operates in nine countries.
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