London, 03 February 2025
AQUIND welcomes the findings of the Ten-Year Network Development 2024 proving the urgent need to greatly increase interconnection capacity between the UK and France
3 February 2025, London, UK – The System Needs study published by ENTSO-E as a part of its pan-European Ten-Year Network Development 2024 (TYNDP 2024) shows an urgent need of at least additional 5,000MW of interconnection capacity between the UK and France by 2030. The study identified that UK – France border is one of two regions, along with Finland – Sweden with the highest need for further interconnection capacity across all of Europe.
AQUIND Interconnector, with a capacity of 2,000MW, is an essential element to European energy infrastructure that can significantly contribute to bridging this gap immediately – and without any cost from the taxpayer.
The assessment of the AQUIND Interconnector as part of the TYNDP 2024 shows significant and immediate benefits from the project from the moment it begins operation. AQUIND will bring substantial Social Economic Welfare benefits between €362m and €413m per year across Europe, with the benefits evenly distributed between Great Britain and the rest of Europe.
The project will contribute to overall reduction in CO2 emissions across the continent between 382 ktonnes and 951 ktonnes per year. It will also help integrate renewable generation by avoiding curtailment between 4373 and 5744 GWh per year – which is equivalent to the electricity generated by a large offshore windfarm.
AQUIND welcomed the results, with director Richard Glasspool saying: “The results of TYNDP 2024 is yet another example that AQUIND Interconnector is an absolutely essential asset to the GB, French and European energy grids. All of our preparatory work is now complete; AQUIND is in the uniquely advantageous position of being ready to begin the construction phase as soon as we have final approval from the governing bodies. With the UK’s Government ambitions to reach Net Zero by 2050 there is no excuse why project such AQUIND Interconnector, which does not require taxpayers support, cannot be approved quickly.”
About Aquind
The AQUIND Interconnector cable is a bi-directional subsea electrical power transmission link between the UK and France. There is insufficient transmission infrastructure in the southeast of England. The new link will allow of electricity to flow in either direction, helping to boost energy security and resilience while also helping to integrate renewable energy sources in both countries.
AQUIND interconnector cable will have a net capacity of 2 GW and will be able to transmit up to 17TWh per year, equivalent to 5% of Great Britain’s & 3% of France’s total annual electricity consumption.
The AQUIND interconnector cable will provide an economic boost to Portsmouth and Dieppe through the creation of around 500 qualified full-time jobs during the (2 year) construction with additional investment into the local economy. AQUIND Ltd has worked hard to ensure the temporary impacts associated with the installation of underground cables are minimised.
Contact
-
AQUIND
For media inquiries, please contact Ben Iorio at +44 7591 095896 or info@aquind.co.uk