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New directions for interconnector research: drawing from social sciences and humanities perspectives to explore the Celtic Interconnector

he current discourse on interconnectors primarily centers on the technical and economic aspects necessary for delivering a stable grid infrastructure powered by renewable sources and for integrating energy markets. This article, therefore, explores opportunities to broaden definitions of energy grid interconnectivity beyond the techno-economic sphere. It considers multidisciplinary perspectives and presents novel exploratory viewpoints from the social sciences and humanities. It examines ideas of interconnection by drawing on the Celtic Interconnector, an Irish-French initiative, to explore the cultural, historical, political, and geographical dimensions of interconnectivity.

Authors

Alexandra Revez, Evan Boyle, Anne Goarzin, Edmond Byrne, Jesse D. Peterson, Fionn Rogan, Claire Connolly, Aoife Deane, James Cuffe, Roman Le Goff Latimier, Caitríona Ó Dochartaigh, David Espes, Brian Ó Gallachóir.

Year
2026
Journal Name
Energy Research & Social Science
Category
Journal Article
Keywords
Celtic Interconnector, Interconnection, Ireland, Society
Full Citation

Alexandra Revez, Evan Boyle, Anne Goarzin, Edmond Byrne, Jesse D. Peterson, Fionn Rogan, Claire Connolly, Aoife Deane, James Cuffe, Roman Le Goff Latimier, Caitríona Ó Dochartaigh, David Espes, Brian Ó Gallachóir,
New directions for interconnector research: drawing from social sciences and humanities perspectives to explore the Celtic Interconnector,
Energy Research & Social Science,
Volume 131,
2026,
104473,
ISSN 2214-6296,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2025.104473.

Link to Publication
/en/media/research/energypolicyandmodellinggroup/Publicengagementpracticeforelectricitygridsystemchange.pdf

Abstract

Insights are derived from two workshops with academics in Ireland and France, encouraging a more contextual understanding of energy interconnections beyond their physical and economic dimensions. The article builds on these insights to set out an agenda for future research and reflect on frames of reference for describing, analysing, and engaging with emerging interconnector processes and the multiple stakeholders involved.

Energy Policy and Modelling Group

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