Name of the Project
The Channel Tunnel high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector.

Location
The interconnector will run between the UK and France.

Client
ElecLink.

Project Description
The project involves the installation of an electricity interconnector in the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France. The 1 GW, 51-km-long HVDC interconnector will meet the growing need for energy in the UK and support the balance of the energy mix of the UK and France. The interconnector will provide enough capacity for more than 1.65-million homes a year, increasing the current Anglo-French exchange capacity by one half.

The exchange of electricity between the two countries will allow for the management of peaks and troughs in demand and variations in power production, as energy surplus from the UK could be exported to continental Europe when necessary. 

Potential Job Creation
The project will create about 300 new jobs during the construction phase, together with ongoing jobs needed for the operations and maintenance throughout the life of the project.

Value
The project is estimated at €580-million.

Duration
The Channel Tunnel interconnector is due to be commissioned by the end of 2019.

Latest Developments
ElecLink has appointed Mott MacDonald to provide engineering support for the installation at the interconnector in the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France.

Meanwhile, Siemens has been awarded the contract to build the converter stations in the UK and France; the fabrication and installation of the direct current cables inside the Channel Tunnel and the underground alternating current cables on the UK side have been awarded to Balfour Beatty/Prysmian; and RTE will undertake the installation of the underground alternating current cables in France.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Siemens (converter stations), Balfour Beatty/Prysmian (fabrication and installation of the direct current cables and underground alternating current cables in the UK), RTE (installation of underground alternating current cables in France) and Mott MacDonald (engineering support).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
ElecLink, tel T +44 20 3871 2563 or email team.eleclink@eleclink.co.uk.