What we do

Own and operate an exempted 1000MW electricity interconnector through the Channel Tunnel

  • Deliver a net social benefit of ~€640m over the life of the interconnector

  • Achieve cross-border flows with low environmental impact resulting from the use of zero overhead lines or undersea cables.

  • 1000MW of merchant interconnector capacity. A safe system based on proven technology

ElecLink responds to the need for greater electricity interconnection which can:

  • Improve security of supply

  • Enable higher levels of renewables and meet the challenge of intermittency

  • Avoid significant costs of building new peaking generation capacity

  • Contribute to decarbonisation reduction of ~6.1m tonnes

  • Enable energy market reform and more competitive energy pricing

Operating performance

  • +/- ~320kV DC scheme to allow a transmission of 1000MW with low losses

  • Potential to provide black start capability; frequency response and cross-border balancing services

Physical characteristics

  • HVDC system using symmetrical monopole convertors and land-based cables

  • Proposed convertor technology based on voltage source convertors (VSC) to provide connections to XLPE cable

Environmental impact

  • Low visual impact – small footprint

  • Low noise

  • Negligible magnetic fields

  • No overhead lines

  • No undersea cables

Interconnector Location

ElecLink connection

  • ElecLink’s route mirrors closely that of the existing IFA interconnector

  • Total cable length of 51 km inside the Channel Tunnel

  • 14.5 km to tie up with National Grid’s Sellindge 400kV substation

  • 3.5 km to tie up with RTE’s Les Mandarins 400kV poste

Health and safety

  • ElecLink is designed to achieve the highest possible safety, health and environmental standards and has implemented its actions fully in compliance with Eurotunnel’s existing framework, regulations and policies

  • ElecLink utilises proven HVDC technology for its convertor stations and cables. ElecLink has developed a comprehensive Safety Case for the operation and maintenance phases of the asset’s life