ElecLink is a high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical interconnector that links the United Kingdom’s National Grid electricity transmission system with the French electricity grid. The link consists of a 140‑kilometre (87‑mile) subsea cable that runs beneath the English Channel, connecting the Bere Regis substation in Somerset, England, to the Basse‑Blanche substation near Le Havre, France.
Technical specifications
- Capacity: 1,000 MW (megawatts) of bidirectional power flow.
- Voltage: ±320 kV (kilovolts) DC.
- Cable type: Twin‑core insulated copper conductors, laid in a protected conduit.
- Length: Approximately 140 km, of which about 100 km is subsea and the remainder is on‑shore.
- Converter stations: Both terminals employ Voltage‑Source Converter (VSC) technology, which enables precise control of power flow and facilitates integration with the respective AC grids.
Ownership and operation
ElecLink is owned and operated by ElecLink Ltd., a joint venture between the French transmission system operator RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité) and the UK’s National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO). The partnership structure reflects the cross‑border nature of the project, with each party holding an equal share.
Project timeline
- Planning and consent: The project received planning permission from the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and from French authorities in 2014.
- Construction: Manufacturing of the cable and associated infrastructure began in 2018. Subsea cable laying was completed in early 2020.
- Commissioning: ElecLink entered commercial operation in September 2021, providing cross‑channel electricity transmission services.
Purpose and significance
ElecLink enhances the interconnection capacity between the UK and continental Europe, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources, improving system security, and facilitating electricity trade. By allowing the exchange of surplus generation—such as wind power from the UK or nuclear and hydroelectric power from France—the interconnector contributes to balancing supply and demand across both grids and aids in meeting decarbonisation targets set by the respective governments.
Regulatory and market context
The interconnector operates under the regulatory frameworks of both the UK and France, participating in the European electricity market through the allocation of capacity on the interconnection. Capacity auctions are conducted by the respective transmission system operators, with market participants able to procure transmission rights for import or export of electricity.
Future considerations
While ElecLink currently operates at its designed capacity of 1 GW, discussions have been held regarding potential upgrades or the development of additional cross‑channel links to further increase interconnection capacity, in line with broader European energy policy objectives aimed at enhancing grid resilience and facilitating the transition to low‑carbon energy systems.
