IFA2 is a 1,000 MW high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical interconnector currently under construction between the British and French transmission systems. It will be the second link to France that National Grid has developed with RTE.

Great Britain France Connection point Interconnectors need to connect to the existing electricity transmission system. They do this at a substation. Converter station A converter station converts electricity between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). Converter station A converter station converts electricity between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). Connection point Interconnectors need to connect to the existing electricity transmission system. They do this at a substation. HVAC electricity We use High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) to move electricity around the national electricity transmission system. HVAC electricity We use High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) to move electricity around the national electricity transmission system. Subsea cable We use subsea HVDC cables to move electricity between the two converter stations

Why do we need interconnectors?

An interconnector allows countries to exchange power, helping to ensure safe, secure and affordable energy supplies. They are the heart of the transition to a smarter energy system and integral to delivering a more flexible energy system for consumers.

Why do we need IFA2?

IFA2 will provide the capability to export or import 1,000MW of power. This brings three important benefits for our national energy requirements:

Affordability:

By giving Great Britain access to the European electricity market, IFA2 should help create downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices. We estimate that each 1,000MW of new interconnector capacity has the potential to reduce wholesale prices in Great Britain by up to 2%.

Security of supply:

Consumers throughout Europe use electricity in various ways at different times of the day, and interconnection allows electricity to be moved to where it is needed. This is particularly important at times of ‘system stress’, such as a combination of cold weather and unexpected power station shutdowns.

Sustainability:

Interconnectors allow countries to look beyond their borders and use renewable energy more efficiently. When it is sunny and windy in Great Britain, for example, where lots of power is generated, electricity can be moved quickly to a country where it’s needed. When British conditions are less favourable, power can be imported from Europe.

Project map

The interactive project map shows the extent of work being undertaken in your area.

Interactive project map

News

  • Friday, November 16, 2018

    Major milestone for IFA2 as first UK converter station buildings erected

    November sees a major milestone for IFA2 as the first steel structures start to be erected at the UK converter station site.


    The main work contractors ABB are working with Morgan Sindall who are overseeing the civil phase of the build.

    The steel structures, which will be erected over the coming months, will be the first visible structures at the site. In time, they will house the key elements of the converter station including the AC & DC electrical equipment and form the control building.

    Once the structures have been erected, contractors, Morgan Sindall will weatherproof the buildings. Internal fit out and the installation of transformers is due to take place later in 2019.

    Dave Luetchford, head of National Grid IFA2, said:

    “To date, all our work on the converter station has taken place behind the site hoarding. It’s great to see the converter station now taking shape.”

    For further information about work at the converter station site, please contact National Grid IFA2 on 0800 0194 576 or info@ifa2interconnector.com

    Read more »
  • Saturday, September 1, 2018

    Boulder removal work update

    We have been carrying out debris route clearance, archaeological target investigations and boulder removal work along the HVAC route. This activity was completed in November 2018.

    We have been carrying out debris route clearance, archaeological target investigations and boulder removal work along the HVAC route.

    This activity was completed in November 2018.

     

    Read more »
  • Wednesday, August 1, 2018

    Update on Broom Way construction work

    We wrote to residents of the Lee-on-the-Solent area on 29 May 2018 to inform them that we anticipated closing one lane of Broom Way to traffic for five days from 11 June 2018 while we created a new access to the converter station site. We are now no longer planning to carry out this work in this period. This will now be rescheduled to a future date. We are grateful to members of the community for bearing with us, and will provide an update on the rescheduled work in due course.

    We wrote to residents of the Lee-on-the-Solent area on 29 May 2018 to inform them that we anticipated closing one lane of Broom Way to traffic for five days from 11 June 2018 while we created a new access to the converter station site.

    We are now no longer planning to carry out this work in this period. This will now be rescheduled to a future date.

    We are grateful to members of the community for bearing with us, and will provide an update on the rescheduled work in due course.

    Read more »