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Interconnectors – helping us to build a cleaner, greener energy system
On this page you will find more information about current and future interconnectors.
Interconnectors helping us to build a cleaner, greener and more efficient energy system.
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 and the Netherlands and each year they power five million homes with clean energy. We’re working on two more interconnectors to link us with Norway and Denmark, and by 2030 90% of the energy imported by our interconnectors will be from zero carbon energy sources.
IFA2: Our latest interconnector
IFA2 (Interconnexion France-Angleterre 2) is our latest interconnector. This high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical interconnector links the British electricity network at Chilling, Hampshire with the French electricity network at Tourbe, Normandy. It’s capable of exporting or importing 1000MW of electricity between the two countries – enough to power a million homes.
IFA2: our latest interconnector
Find out more about IFA2, the benefits it will deliver and and the people who helped to bring this exceptional project to life.
Discover moreLearn 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.
The power of now carbon dashboard
Visit our interactive website to find out how much carbon our interconnectors are saving right now.
Visit the Power of NowStories
Next gen interconnectors could create green energy hubs
We’re taking another step forward on the journey to net zero, with a new agreement with TenneT.
National Grid’s Viking Link Interconnector secures the first multi ECA green lo…
National Grid announces the first ever multi export credit agency (ECA) covered green loan, guaranteed by SACE with SIMEST CIRR support and Euler Hermes.
Connecting electricity systems for a greener Britain
National Grid’s Nick Sides explains how the company’s interconnectors – undersea cables that allow us to exchange energy with neighbouring countries – are contributing to creating a greener Britain.
Building a clean energy connection with Denmark begins
Work has begun on our latest interconnector, Viking Link, which will allow the exchange of electricity between Denmark and the UK. This 765km long undersea cable will further boost the amount of renewable energy in the UK – another significant step in our
In operation
BritNed
BritNed – an independent joint venture with TenneT, connecting the UK and the Netherlands since 2011.
IFA
IFA – 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.
Under construction
North Sea Link
Statnett and National Grid North Sea Link Limited are working together to construct an electricity link between Norway and the UK, North Sea Link.
Viking Link
We’re developing a link between the UK and Denmark together with Energinet. It’s due to be operational in 2023
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.