Interconnectors

Helping us to build a cleaner, greener energy system.

About interconnectors

Interconnectors are high voltage cables that are used to connect the electricity systems of neighbouring countries. They allow us to trade excess power, such as renewable energy created by the sun, wind and water, between different countries.

We already have interconnectors linking us to France, Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands, and each year they power five million homes. We’re currently working on another interconnector to link us with Denmark, and by 2030, 90% of the energy imported by our interconnectors will be from zero carbon energy sources.

Our latest interconnector: North Sea Link

North Sea Link (NSL) is our latest interconnector. This high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical interconnector connects the British electricity network at Blyth in Northumberland with the Norwegian village of Kvilldal, and is able to transport enough clean electricity to power 1.4 million UK homes.

Interconnectors in operation

BritNed

BritNed is an independent joint venture with TenneT, connecting the UK and the Netherlands since 2011.

IFA

IFA is our first link between the UK and France, operated together with RTE since 1986.

Nemo Link

A joint venture with Elia connecting the UK and Belgium. In operation since January 2019.

IFA2

Find out more about our second link to France, developed with RTE.

North Sea Link

Find out more about the world’s longest subsea interconnector, linking the UK and Norway.

Trade with us

Visit our interconnector customer portal for more information on the products we offer and how to trade with us.

Learn more about our interconnectors

Watch this animation to discover which countries are already connected by our interconnectors and where they’re under construction. And see all the different regions that will benefit from the exchange of clean and green energy thanks to these interconnector projects.

Stories

Group : Journey to net zero

National Grid’s net zero milestones: 2021

23 December 2021

Every year, we work harder than ever to find new innovative ways of decarbonising the energy system and moving closer to reaching our net zero ambitions. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future, and this year we’ve achieved some impressive milestones that take us a step closer to making a net zero future a reality for everyone.

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Ventures : Press release

National Grid powers up world’s longest subsea interconnector between the UK and Norway

1 October 2021

National Grid’s €1.6 billion North Sea Link (NSL), a joint venture with Norwegian system operator Statnett, will start commercial operations today, marking a major milestone in the UK’s journey to net zero.

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