National Grid opens second electricity interconnector to France

National Grid has opened access to its second electricity interconnector linking the UK to France, which is now able transmit power between the two countries at full capacity.

The IFA2 interconnector – a 149-mile subsea power line running from Fareham in Hampshire to near Caen in Normandy – is a joint venture with the French transmission system operator RTE.

Installation of the 1GW high voltage direct current cable began in 2018. It was first energised for testing in October last year and wholesale power traders started buying capacity yesterday (21 January).

Jon Butterworth, managing director of National Grid Ventures, said: “IFA2 is the latest feat of world-class engineering helping to transform and decarbonise the electricity systems of Britain and its European neighbours. We’re delighted to have been able to again work with our partners RTE to strengthen the connection between the French and British power grids.

“Together we are now able to help deliver cleaner, more secure, and more affordable energy to consumers at both ends of the cable. Our first interconnector together, IFA, has been successfully operating for more than 30 years. We look forward to working together with RTE over the next 30 years, to support the delivery of net zero targets to fight climate change across the UK and Europe.”

The first IFA interconnector has a capacity of 2GW.  National Grid has now four operational electricity interconnectors, the others beings the 1GW BritNed cable to the Netherlands and the 1GW Nemo Link to Belgium.

The company also has a further two projects under construction – the 1.4GW North Sea Link to Norway and the 1.4GW Viking Link to Denmark, which are due to become operational in 2021 and 2023 respectively.