Analysis: these giant cables connect electricity grids across neighbouring countries and have benefits for energy security, costs and climate goals
Ireland is investing heavily in linking our electricity grid with neighbouring countries using interconnectors. These are large cables of transmitting huge amounts of electricity and we currently have two in operation with the UK, and another connection with France will soon be operational. Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, has just approved two additional connections and more are planned. So why are we investing so heavily in these large infrastructure projects and what are the key benefits?
Enhanced energy security
Grid interconnectors significantly strengthen energy security by providing access to a more diversified supply of electricity across countries. Ireland, for instance, has abundant wind resources but experiences variability in production due to the intermittent nature of wind. Interconnectors allow Ireland to import electricity from the UK or France during low-wind periods or high-demand spikes, helping prevent energy shortages and stabilise the grid. Similarly, the UK, with its varied energy mix, can draw from France's nuclear-generated electricity when needed, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
For France, interconnectors also mean access to additional renewable power from Ireland and the UK during times of surplus. In periods when renewable energy production is high, such as windy or sunny days, all three countries can share excess electricity, ensuring that clean energy is efficiently used rather than wasted. In the case of power shortages or unexpected supply issues—whether from technical faults or market disruptions—interconnectors provide an essential backup, making the energy supply across these interconnected regions more robust and resilient.
Lower energy costs
One of the major advantages of grid interconnectors is the ability to access and trade electricity across borders, promoting more competitive and often lower prices. Energy prices fluctuate due to factors like supply availability, fuel costs, and weather conditions, which affect renewable generation. When one country has a surplus of electricity, such as during high wind generation in Ireland, the excess power can be exported to neighbouring countries at a lower cost. This cross-border trade helps stabilise prices, reducing overall energy costs for consumers in all connected nations.
From EirGrid, what is the Celtic Interconnector project?
In recent times consumers felt the impact of a surge in gas prices due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This highlighted our over dependence on a single energy source and the impact it had on all our lives and shows how energy security is fundamentally tied to cost considerations. Both are enhanced by diversification.
Furthermore, interconnectors reduce the need for each country to build and maintain large amounts of additional capacity to meet peak demand. Instead, they can rely on imported power when necessary, avoiding the cost of developing costly, standby generation facilities that may only be needed in specific circumstances. This pooling of resources and access to cheaper electricity lowers energy costs, benefiting consumers while promoting an integrated and economically efficient energy market.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's News At One, Irish electricity prices among highest in Europe
Facilitating renewable energy and climate goals
Perhaps the most compelling advantage of grid interconnectors lies in their support of climate and renewable energy goals. All three countries—Ireland, the UK, and France—have committed to ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy capacity. Interconnectors play a crucial role in this transition by enabling a more efficient and widespread use of renewable resources.
For example, Ireland’s wind resources are some of the best in Europe, but wind generation varies day by day. Through interconnectors, Ireland can export surplus wind power to the UK and France, ensuring that this renewable energy doesn’t go to waste. The same principle applies in reverse: Ireland can import hydro or nuclear power from France when renewable production is low. This balancing effect maximises renewable energy use across the grid, reducing dependence on carbon-emitting sources and making it easier for all three countries to meet their emission targets.
Read more: Why the Celtic interconnector is about more than just electricity
Moreover, interconnectors help stabilise grids with high renewable penetration by balancing supply and demand across a larger geographic area. This interconnected approach makes the integration of variable renewable sources like wind and solar more manageable, reducing the likelihood of blackouts and enhancing grid reliability. This interconnected resilience will become increasingly important as the percentage of renewables in each country’s energy mix grows.
Grid interconnectors between Ireland, the UK, and France provide significant benefits that address key energy challenges facing Europe today. By enhancing energy security, lowering costs, and facilitating the transition to renewable energy, these interconnections are foundational in creating a stable, sustainable, and affordable energy future. As Europe works toward its climate commitments, grid interconnectors will continue to play a vital role in supporting the journey toward a resilient, low-carbon energy system.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
