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.
About North Sea Link: Our latest interconnector
Find out more about the world’s longest sub-sea interconnector, the benefits it will deliver and the people who helped bring this exceptional feat of engineering to life.
Discover North Sea Link
Connecting to a net zero future
Find out more about the role of interconnectors in a journey to net zero.
Learn moreInterconnectors 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.
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.
How much carbon do interconnectors save?
Visit "The Power of Now" interactive website to find out how much carbon our interconnectors are saving right now.
View the Power of NowStories
Interconnectors in development
Nautilus
Nautilus Interconnector is a proposed Multi-Purpose Interconnector (MPI) connection. Connecting Great Britain and Belgium, Nautilus is a new generation of Interconnector that will have the capability to connect to multiple offshore wind farms, enabling the export of excess clean energy and reducing the impact of infrastructure on coastal communities.
When built, the 1.4GW HVDC link will provide enough electricity to supply around 1.4 million UK homes.
Nautilus is also a Project of Common Interest (PCI). PCIs are key cross border infrastructure projects that link the energy systems of EU countries. They are intended to help the EU achieve its energy policy and climate objectives: affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all citizens, and the long-term decarbonisation of the economy
EuroLink
EuroLink is a proposal to build a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission cable between the UK and the Netherlands.
The capacity of the link will be 1400MW and the project is still in the very early stages of development.
EuroLink is a Project of Common Interest as set under ENTSO-E Central European Funding initiative.
Interconnectors under construction
Viking Link
We’re developing a link between the UK and Denmark together with Energinet. Viking Link is due to be operational in 2023.
More about Viking Link