Transmission system operators in both countries ­- including EirGrid - have estimated that the proposed new Celtic Interconnector would cost €930m. The link would be capable of carrying approximately 700 megawatts of electricity in either direction, enough to power 450,000 households. The link will bring benefits to Irish and French energy consumers but only if further renewables projects are rolled out, it said. The grid operator pointed out that once Britain leaves the EU, the Celtic Interconnector, if built, would be the only direct Irish energy connection to another member state. In September, EirGrid and its French counterpart submitted an investment request for the development of the Celtic Interconnector to CRU and the Commission de Regulation de l'Energie.

Source: Irish Independent December 30, 2018 18:22 UTC