AQUIND’s proposals for a new interconnector between the UK and France have reached another major milestone this month, with the formal submission of onshore and offshore scoping reports to the four local planning authorities and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

This is an important milestone for the project and will give the relevant local planning authorities, residents and other consultees an opportunity to further comment on the project.

The scoping reports seek input into environmental matters associated with all elements of the project, and have been submitted to Portsmouth City Council, Havant Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council, Winchester City Council and the Marine Management Organisation.

AQUIND looks forward to continuing to engage with these authorities and all interested parties as the project continues to move forward.

The submission of these scoping reports follows the three initial consultation events that AQUIND held in Lovedean, Waterlooville and Milton in January 2018. A total of 239 people attended the three events to view the proposals for AQUIND Interconnector, speak with the project team and share their feedback.

Over two thirds (68%) of feedback responses expressed support for the project. Moreover:

• ­­Over two thirds (68%) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the aims of the project
• 61% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the approach to the converter station design
• 75% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the approach to the underground cable design

AQUIND will carefully review all of the feedback received and, where possible, consider amendments to the design and proposed mitigation strategies before submitting planning applications later in 2018.

A spokesperson for AQUIND said:

 “The submission of the scoping reports is an important positive milestone for AQUIND Interconnector after several years of work.

 “We are extremely pleased to have reached this stage and look forward to continuing to work with the councils, the MMO, residents and all other interested stakeholders as the project continues to move forward.”

 The local community can contact the project team via:

• Website: www.aquindconsultation.co.uk 
• Freephone: 01962 893 869
• Email: aquindconsultation@becg.com
• Freepost: AQUIND CONSULTATION

 

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Notes to Editors:

About AQUIND Limited:

AQUIND Limited is a UK-registered company and its sole business is the development of AQUIND Interconnector.

AQUIND Limited is not associated with any UK or European utilities and the AQUIND Interconnector project is being developed without government subsidies.For further information about AQUIND, please visit: www.aquind.co.uk

Consultation Website:

Further information is available at www.aquindconsultation.co.uk

Key Information:

If approved, AQUIND Interconnector will increase competition across energy markets which could mean lower energy prices for consumers and businesses. AQUIND Interconnector will use well-tested and reliable technology and will not include any overhead lines; striving to achieve as low visual impact as possible. The UK Government and European Commission have identified that interconnectors are vital for achieving an integrated energy market in which families and firms get the best value for their money. Once complete AQUIND Interconnector will have the capacity to transmit up to 16 million MWh* of electricity per year – equivalent to 5% of the total annual consumption of Great Britain currently, and 3% of the total annual consumption of France. The plans will improve security of supply, help to foster greater renewable energy integration, and provide greater flexibility in managing the UK’s electricity grid. At present, it is estimated that AQUIND Interconnector could become operational in 2022.

Scheme Benefits:

A reliable electricity supply for the UK and France

AQUIND Interconnector will allow transmission of electricity in both directions enabling the UK’s and France’s electricity grids to manage fluctuations in consumption and production more effectively. This will improve the reliability of electricity supply in both countries. AQUIND Interconnector will have the capacity of 2,000 MW and transmit up to 16 million MWh of electricity each year between the two connected countries, which is 5% and 3% of the total consumption of Great Britain and France respectively, i.e. consumption by millions of households*.

Promoting energy market competition

By diversifying the sources of electricity, AQUIND Interconnector will promote greater competition across domestic energy markets. This could, in turn, help lower energy prices for consumers and businesses.

Tapping into cleaner sources of energy

Production of electricity by low carbon methods, such as wind or solar, is often reliant on local weather conditions. On non-windy days, this means more of our electricity is supplied from fossil fuels.

The construction of AQUIND Interconnector will enable the UK and France to trade surplus electricity generated from low-carbon sources, like wind farms. By tapping into this clean energy, our reliance on fossil fuel-generated energy is reduced.

No overhead lines

AQUIND interconnector will use well-tested and reliable cable technology. Burying the cable along the whole route avoids the need for the construction of overhead lines and their associated visual impact.

Investment in Energy Infrastructure

AQUIND Interconnector represents a significant investment in the UK’s energy infrastructure and is being developed without government subsidies.

* The actual utilisation rate of the interconnector depends on market conditions, limitations by national transmission system operators and other factors