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Completion of critical converter station marks progress in Celtic Interconnector project

Apr 28, 2026, 10:09 AM10
(Update: Apr 28, 2026, 10:09 AM)
commune in Côtes-d'Armor, France

Completion of critical converter station marks progress in Celtic Interconnector project

  • The main construction works of the Ar Merzher converter station in Brittany have been completed.
  • The Celtic Interconnector project connects Ireland and France, providing substantial electricity capacity.
  • This milestone advances Europe's energy security and renewable energy integration efforts.
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In France, the Ar Merzher converter station in Brittany has recently completed its main construction works. This milestone has been announced by the infrastructure group NGE, in partnership with Siemens Energy, on April 28, 2026. The converter station plays a vital role in the Celtic Interconnector project, which aims to connect the electricity grids of Ireland and France via an innovative subsea cable spanning 575 kilometers, with an exchange capacity of 700 MW. This capacity is sufficient to meet the electricity demands of approximately 450,000 households. The primary goal of the Celtic Interconnector project is to bolster Europe's energy security by improving grid resilience and supporting the integration of renewable energy. It is anticipated that the project will provide significant benefits for cross-border decarbonization efforts between Ireland and mainland Europe. The Ar Merzher converter station is integral to this initiative, as it will convert the direct current from the submarine cable into alternating current for distribution into the French grid, enabling effective power exchanges between France and Ireland. The main construction phase of the project will officially conclude in May 2026, with plans for energization slated for June 2026 and full commission expected by 2028. The completion of the Ar Merzher converter station signals a major step forward in realizing the Celtic Interconnector project, which embodies a commitment to energy sovereignty and ecological transition. Stéphane Perez, the CEO of NGE, emphasized the project's significance in demonstrating ambitious engineering capabilities while supporting energy security across Europe. Similarly, project director Rémi Courtial from RTE stated the project's importance as the first link connecting Ireland to the European mainland, advocating for mutual support among European nations in their decarbonization efforts. The Celtic Interconnector exemplifies the collaborative initiatives taken to strengthen Europe’s energy infrastructure, reflecting a commitment toward sustainable energy solutions and ecological responsibility. The successful planning, construction, and eventual operation of this project could pave the way for more such interconnections throughout Europe, potentially leading to enhanced energy exchanges and lower carbon footprints across the continent.

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