Celtic Interconnector Connecting Ireland to Continental Europe Presentation to Engineers Cork, 13/11/2018 Eoghan Tuite, CEng
Who are EirGrid? EirGrid is the Transmission System • Operator (TSO) and is responsible for ensuring a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity, across the island of Ireland – now and in the future. We develop, manage and operate the • electricity transmission grid. • We are mandated to explore and develop opportunities to interconnect the Irish transmission system with other systems. EirGrid developed the East West • Interconnector.
Celtic Interconnector Project Moyle East West Celtic
Project Elements
Project Partner
Project Benefits
WHOLESALE BASELOAD ELECTRICTY PRICES Second Quarter of 2018 Competition Facilitates increased electricity trading & downward pressure on cost of electricity.
Security of Supply Additional supply of power and increased diversification of fuel sources.
Sustainable Energy Facilitates transition to low carbon future.
Telecoms Strategic opportunity to provide a direct fibre link to Europe Source: Telegeography, Analysys Mason
European Context Image: E-Highway2050
Funding • Proposal made to both National Regulatory Authorities (CRU & CRÉ) on cost split between EirGrid and RTE. Connecting Europe Facility: • – EU funding instrument for targeted infrastructure investment. – Celtic has received grant of € 3.6m and allocated further € 4m to date. – Budget of € 4.7bn for grants for energy projects up to 2020.
Strategic Imperative • Allows Ireland directly contribute to, and be part of, Energy Union. • Reduces Ireland’s electrical isolation (below EC’s targets and thresholds for Interconnection). – Average yearly price difference > € 2/MWh. Interconnection capacity is < 30% of – peak load. – Interconnection capacity is < 30% of installed renewable generation. Green: meets all three thresholds Yellow: meets two of the thresholds Red: meets one or none of the thresholds
Project Roadmap Initial Design & Phase Preliminary Detailed Design Feasibility Construction Pre-Consultation & Consents Description Feasibility 2019 – 2021 2021 – 2025/26 Timetable 2011 - 2014 2016 - 2019 2014 - 2016 Initial Design Marine survey Benefits Detailed Design Contract Award EirGrid / RTE Pre-Consultation Project Parameters Project Work Technology EPC Procurement Manufacturing Investment Request Streams Economic & Costs Consenting Energisation Financial Analysis Grant Application EirGrid Framework for Grid Development Step 1 Steps 2 - 4 Step 5 Step 6 • Apr 2019 – • Early 2020 – • 2026 – Go Live Regulator’s Launch EPC Investment Tender Request Decision • Mid 2020 – Key Milestones • ~ Apr 2019 – Submit Consents Make Grant Applications Application to EC • End 2021 – Final • ~ Aug 2019 – Investment EC Grant Decision Decision
What have we learnt? Connection Point: • 220kV substations at Knockraha and Great Island identified as feasible connections points based on level of connectivity in transmission grid and their geographical location along the south coast of Ireland • Grid assessment shows connection point at Knockraha can accommodate interconnector flows far better than Great Island
What have we learnt? Land Studies: • Concluded that there are feasible options in both East Cork and West Wexford for the various onshore elements of interconnector. • Specific landfall study concluded all 10 identified locations are feasible with East Cork area performing better than West Wexford.
What have we learnt? Social Impact Assessment: • High level Social Baseline Report has been prepared. • It does not identify project as having a greater social impact in either region. • Report will be built on with input from communities, landowners and other stakeholders.
What have we learnt? Marine Route Investigation: • Six trunk routes identified between East Cork / West Wexford and NW France. • Best performing and least constrained route is Route 2 from East Cork. • A full marine survey concluded this route was largely feasible with no major constraints.
Marine Surveys Geophysical Surveys Geotechnical Surveys 2014 & 2017 2015 & 2018 Sparker SBP Hydrophone Multibeam echo sounder Pinger SBP Grab Camera SSS Magnetometer Vibrocorer CPT
2014/15 Marine Surveys – Vessels in Cork
Rock identified in Irish Nearshore Rock identified in French Nearshore
2017/18 - Additional Marine Surveys
Step 2 Pre-Consultation Aligned project with the new Framework for • Grid Development. • Developed detailed project update brochure for Step 2 (2017). • Outlined that the best performing option for project is to connect to France via the East Cork area. Engaged in stakeholder outreach with • elected reps, municipal districts, local businesses, industry reps, community and environmental groups, fisheries groups. Carried out public consultation on 2017 • marine survey foreshore licence.
Step 3 Pre-Consultation to date Confirmed East Cork as best performing • connection point at launch of Step 3 in February 2018. • Developed detailed project update brochure for Step 3 (2018) with infographic of project elements. • Carried out public consultation on 2018 marine survey foreshore licence. Held series of project open days and • community meetings at locations in East Cork.
Project Development • Project is currently in Step 3 of Framework for Grid Development. • Step 3 Objectives: – Identification of a shortlist of converter station location zones. – Identification of best performing landfall options (narrow down current shortlist). • Cork based Community Liaison Officer appointed to project. Timeline: •
East Cork
Summary Project is Benefits Key Project Feasible Approval Development - European Steps energy market - Various studies - Project integration and surveys progressing on - Investment complete all fronts - Facilitates low Request carbon future - Consultation - Grant and engagement - Improved Application ongoing security of supply - Direct telecoms link to EU
Thank You celticinterconnector@eirgrid.com
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