Celtic Interconnector EPC Contractors Wanted

Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE) has issued tenders seeking contractors for the cable and converter station engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for the Celtic Interconnector between Ireland and France.

The first tender relates to the EPC contract for the design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, delivery, installation and commissioning of the cable link between Ireland and France.

The overall length of the HVDC cable route is estimated to be approximately 575km with an underground DC cable of approximately 40km in France, a HVDC submarine cable section approximately 500km long, and approximately 32km of HVDC underground cable in Ireland.

Fiber optic cables will also be required to be installed alongside the power cables.

The second tender is looking for an EPC contractor for the design, manufacture, delivery, installation and commissioning of the VSC converter stations in Ireland and France, inclusive of all civil works and associated maintenance contracts.

Scope of work includes site preparation, electric motors, generators and transformers, telecommunications cable and equipment, as well as repair and maintenance services.

The converter stations are planned to be located close to the 400 kV La Martyre substation in France and the Knockraha 220 kV substation in Co. Cork in Ireland.

Both contracts have a duration of five years. The deadline for submitting applications is 9 November by 12:00 local time.

Celtic Interconnector will be able to transmit up to 700 MW of electricity between Ireland and France once it is live in 2026.