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The Irish Government is moving forward with plans to build an undersea electricity interconnector linking Ireland and Spain. The project, expected to be operational by the mid-2030s, aims to strengthen Ireland’s energy system and provide access to a broader supply of renewable energy. Plans to seal Ireland-Spain energy link in 2026 Officials from Ireland and Spain have recently held initial discussions on a proposed undersea electricity interconnector. The governments are working towards finalising a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in spring 2026, which would allow construction plans to move forward. It is expected that Spain, which frequently has a surplus of electricity, would export power to Ireland through the interconnector, providing additional energy security and supporting Ireland’s renewable energy goals. The exact landing points and other technical details are still under review. A boost for Ireland’s energy system Ireland’s electricity system relies heavily on wind power, but limited links to neighbouring grids create risks for supply. Interconnectors play a key role in balancing electricity across borders, allowing countries to buy and sell power as needed. The new interconnector with Spain would add another connection for Ireland, complementing existing links to Britain through the East West and Greenlink interconnectors. A third link, MaresConnect, is expected to begin operations in 2030, while the Celtic Interconnector connecting Ireland and France will be electrified in 2027. This growing network of connections will help improve energy security and support the country’s transition to renewable power. A giant subsea cable The proposed cable to Spain would stretch approximately 1,000km across the seabed. Special ships would lay the cable along safe routes, avoiding boulders and sensitive habitats. Each section is armoured and tested to provide reliable electricity for decades. Minister O’Brien said, when speaking to RTE, that Europe may co-fund the costs alongside Ireland and Spain. Discussions with Spain are still at an early stage. Minister O’Brien said the project would need to go through the usual planning consents and that the exact landing points in both countries are yet to be confirmed. Just back from Luxembourg after productive Energy and Environment Council meetings. Discussed plans for a new interconnector linking Ireland and Spain, strengthening our renewable energy ties with Europe 🇮🇪🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/zB70KM3lMW — Darragh O’Brien (@DarraghOBrienTD) October 22, 2025 Implications for Spain’s electricity grid? But will the proposed interconnector have significant implications for Spain’s electricity grid, especially in light of the nationwide blackout that occurred earlier this year? On 28 April 2025, Spain experienced a massive power outage that affected nearly the entire country and parts of Portugal. The blackout was triggered, reportedly, by a voltage surge that led to a cascading failure across the grid, resulting in the loss of Spain’s electricity supply. In response, Spanish authorities have been taking steps to make the grid more resilient. This includes increasing energy storage and improving grid management to prevent similar outages in the future. The interconnector with Ireland is expected to help by giving Spain access to additional energy sources and supporting the use of more renewable electricity. At the same time, the project brings challenges. Exporting more electricity to Ireland could put pressure on Spain’s domestic supply, particularly during times of high demand or low renewable generation. Careful planning will be needed to make sure the grid can meet both domestic and export needs while staying stable and reliable. Strategic importance for Ireland For Ireland, the interconnector represents a significant advancement in energy infrastructure. Currently, Ireland’s electricity grid is interconnected with the UK and is set to link with France through the Celtic Interconnector, expected to be operational by 2027. The addition of a connection to Spain will further diversify Ireland’s energy sources and enhance the stability of its grid. The interconnector will also facilitate the import of solar energy from Spain, which has a surplus of renewable electricity, particularly during sunny periods. This will help Ireland meet its renewable energy targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Building a more resilient energy future The planned undersea electricity interconnector between Ireland and Spain is a major step towards stronger and more reliable energy systems for both countries. While there are challenges to manage, particularly around Spain’s domestic electricity supply, the project also offers a chance to use more renewable energy and move towards a greener future. As the project develops, close cooperation between Ireland and Spain will be essential to solve any issues and make sure the interconnector works successfully. This initiative highlights the growing importance of cross-border energy links in making Europe’s electricity grids more secure and sustainable.
