Celtic Interconnector Completes Vacuum Oil-Filling for 240-Tonne VSC Converter Transformers at Ballyadam and La Martyre
Transmission operators EirGrid and RTE have completed the high-vacuum oil-filling and dielectric degassing procedures for the 240-tonne ±320 kV converter tra...
Celtic Interconnector Completes Vacuum Oil-Filling for 240-Tonne VSC Converter Transformers at Ballyadam and La Martyre
Transmission operators EirGrid and RTE have completed the high-vacuum oil-filling and dielectric degassing procedures for the 240-tonne ±320 kV converter transformers at the Ballyadam (Ireland) and La Martyre (France) converter stations for the 700 MW Celtic Interconnector.
- Publish date: 2026-09-21
- Category: HVDC & Substations
- Original source: EirGrid Group & Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE)
- Reading time: 5 min
Precision Oil-Filling and Dielectric Processing on Heavy Assets
Following heavy-haul transport from Cork Harbour to Ballyadam in East Cork, specialized technical crews processed over 80,000 liters of inhibited mineral dielectric fluid per transformer unit under deep continuous vacuum (below 0.1 mbar) to ensure zero moisture contamination.
The transformers are equipped with fiber-optic winding hot-spot sensors, high-precision on-load tap changers (OLTC), and composite silicone bushings designed to interface seamlessly with Siemens Energy’s VSC-HVDC valve blocks.
First Direct Electricity Link Between Ireland and Continental Europe
The 575 km subsea and underground interconnector will allow Ireland to trade 700 MW directly with the European internal energy market, reducing island curtailment and providing mutual black-start support.
Commissioning activities on the converter valve cooling loops are commencing ahead of full commercial energization in 2027.
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