CORRECTS - France, Ireland sign deal for underwater electricity connection

CORRECTS HEADLINE

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - France and Ireland on Friday signed an agreement for an underwater electricity connection between the two countries.

French Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher, Ireland's Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and European Commission Deputy Director General for Energy Mechthild Worsdorfer attended the signing ceremony for the Celtic Interconnector project in Paris, the European Commission said in a statement.

"In the current energy market situation and the need to move away from imports of Russian fossil fuels, European energy infrastructure has become more important than ever," Kadri Simson, commissioner for energy, said.

"The Celtic Interconnector is of paramount importance as it will end Ireland’s isolation from the Union’s power system and ensure a reliable high-capacity link improving the security of electricity supply and supporting the development of renewables in both Ireland and France," Simson added.

The planned electrical link, which is due to be completed in 2027, will have an approximate length of 600 kilometers (372.82 miles) and a capacity of 700 MW, enough to power 450,000 households.

Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin also welcomed the agreement.

"Delighted to be in Paris this morning to witness signing of the Celtic Interconnector project," Martin said on Twitter. "Vital energy infrastructure that will bring tangible benefits to the citizens of both France and Ireland, for the use of renewables, reducing prices, and improving supply security," he added.