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 16,000,000 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*.
* The actual utilisation rate of the interconnector depends on market conditions, limitations by national transmission system operators and other factors
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.