Working with EirGrid on the Celtic Interconnector: A rewarding role, delivering real impacts
Kieran French, Celtic Interconnector engineering and interface manager, EirGrid.
EirGrid is delivering one of the most ambitious programmes of works ever undertaken on the transmission grid in Ireland, thanks to committed teams at the heart of this progress.
“Engineering has tangible outputs, real-life impacts, we’re bolstering the security of electricity supply for Ireland."
That’s how Celtic Interconnector Engineering and Interface Manager Kieran French views his profession, and indeed his current role in EirGrid, working on the Celtic Interconnector project, the subsea link connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and France.
When complete, the key energy project will allow the exchange of enough electricity to power around 450,000 homes.
EirGrid is currently progressing the most ambitious programme of work ever undertaken on the transmission system in Ireland. As this work progresses, the need for interconnection becomes more important.
As Ireland transitions to an electricity grid powered by more renewable energy, electricity imports will play an integral role at times when the wind doesn’t blow, or the sun doesn’t shine. Kieran French is part of the ardent team that will deliver the Celtic Interconnector.
Graduating from University College Cork in 2005, with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Kieran has since worked on a number of major transmission projects, including an Interconnector linking France to Great Britain.
Since joining EirGrid, Kieran has taken on a range of roles within the organisation from a client engineer and technical standards engineer, to working as a relief engineer in Ireland’s National Control Centre, where electricity supply and demand is balanced twenty-four hours a day.
“It was a great experience to see the outputs of the grid development and grid connection works translated into the operational domain and how they are used in real time as part of the power system,” he says.
EirGrid and project codeveloper Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTÉ) recently marked two years of construction on the Celtic Interconnector project.
The Cork man joined the team in 2018; the project was only in its infant planning and design stage.
“I remember the initial design and procurement consulting phase, it was at this time that we were submitting Investment Requests to the Regulator and grant applications to the EU to support the overall project financing solutions. It was also the beginning of the public consultations for the ultimate location of the infrastructure in Cork.
"My primary role was to develop the technical specifications for the interconnector along with our colleagues, the French transmission grid operator RTÉ, and to support the members of the EirGrid Public Engagement and consenting team in the community events and the preparation of the planning application. It’s exciting to see how far we have come since then. To see the work translate into real assets is hugely impressive."
With works entering the commissioning stage on the converter station and submarine cable manufacturing continuing in Norway, his focus at the moment is to ensure that works are completed to the highest standard in the required timeframe. This includes preparations for the load-out of the submarine cable for the next cable-laying campaign, which is due to begin next month.
Throughout the duration of the project, EirGrid has been engaging with communities in east Cork to ensure the project has the least impact possible, while still delivering a stronger, more resilient electricity grid.
“It’s nice to see that people are invested in the project and want to see it through to completion, as well as seeing interest from universities and academics. There is a genuine interest in the engineering aspect of the project. I grew up in Douglas and studied in UCC, so there’s a sense of pride that comes with seeing the levels of interest from local communities, as well as from the universities and academic institutes in the region, in the progress that is being made on the project."
In 2023, EirGrid opened its first office in Cork. For Kieran, it’s been a real asset.
“It’s a huge benefit to have the Cork office. My role involves time on site, at the converter station outside Carrigtwohill and I live in Dublin, but having the option to work in the Cork office gives me flexibility and a better work-life balance."
For anyone thinking about a career in engineering, Kieran says: “For me, the experience has been really rewarding. There are tangible outputs to what you do, with work that has a real impact. I’m working on an impactful project that not only affects Cork or Munster, but Ireland as a whole.
“Engineering opens so many doors, one day you could be negotiating contracts, the next you’re overseeing the loading of 125 kilometres of power cable onto a boat in Norway. It’s varied, challenging and incredibly rewarding."
Want to be part of a workplace where people thrive? Explore careers with us today at eirgrid.ie/careers
