The Irish and French power transmission system operators (TSOs) EirGrid and RTE have initiated construction works on the 700 MW Celtic Interconnector project between Ireland and France. The project, launching construction in east Cork (Ireland), should see a 575 km-long HVDC subsea cable connect the Irish and French electricity grids. Designed to import and export electricity sufficient for 450,000 homes, the cable works are being conducted by Sorensen Civil Engineering; Nexans will supply the cables, while Siemens Energy will deliver the converter station in Ballyadam and high-voltage transmission technology at Knockraha. The Celtic Interconnector project aims to bolster energy security and establish Cork as a central energy hub when commissioned in 2026.