National Grid has announced plans to invest up to £400 million in the electricity interconnector between Great Britain and France, supporting its continued operation until at least 2050.
The investment will upgrade essential technical equipment, buildings and facilities at the Interconnexion France-Angleterre, known as IFA. Jointly owned by National Grid and French electricity network operator RTE, the link is marking 40 years of operation.
Commissioned in 1986, IFA has a transmission capacity of 2,000 megawatts. The connection stretches approximately 70 kilometres, including 45 kilometres beneath the English Channel, linking the British and French electricity networks.
National Grid says the interconnector can carry enough electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately three million British homes. Although power has historically flowed mainly from France to Great Britain, the connection operates in both directions, allowing either country to support the other when market conditions require.
The upgrade will preserve an important route for cross-border electricity trading as both countries manage changing demand and generation. Access to French electricity can help Britain during periods of higher domestic wholesale prices, while the link also enables British power exports.
The announcement concerns investment by National Grid, rather than a British government funding commitment. RTE’s investment contribution has not been disclosed.
