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.
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 mapNews
-
Friday, March 8, 2019
Hook information event
We’ll be restarting work to install cables for IFA2 in the Chilling area and are hosting an information event where you can find out more about this. The open event will take place from 4pm – 8pm on 12 March 2019 at the Nook and Cranny, Hook Ln, Hook, Warsash SO31 9HH.
Read more »We’ll be restarting work to install cables for IFA2 in the Chilling area and are hosting an information event where you can find out more about this.
The open event will take place from 4pm – 8pm on 12 March 2019 at the Nook and Cranny, Hook Ln, Hook, Warsash SO31 9HH.
Last year we installed the ducts which will house the high voltage alternating current (HVAC) cables required for IFA2. We then paused work in November 2018 to reduce the risk of disturbing overwintering birds.
The season for these birds will soon be over, and we are preparing to begin work in the area again in coming weeks. The focus for our work will be laying and connecting the cables. As before, we’ll impose a 10mph speed limit for construction vehicles through Hook Village, as well as escorting any HGVs.
-
Friday, March 1, 2019
Stubbington Lane and Crofton Avenue reopened to traffic
National Grid IFA2 has been working to install cable ducts under Stubbington Lane and Crofton Avenue. As this work is now complete, we are in a position to reopen these roads to traffic. Stubbington Lane has been reopened, and Crofton Avenue will be reopened to traffic later in the afternoon of 1 Marc 2018. We are grateful to local people for their ongoing patience and cooperation during this work.
Read more »National Grid IFA2 has been working to install cable ducts under Stubbington Lane and Crofton Avenue.
As this work is now complete, we are in a position to reopen these roads to traffic. Stubbington Lane has been reopened, and Crofton Avenue will be reopened to traffic later in the afternoon of 1 Marc 2018.
We are grateful to local people for their ongoing patience and cooperation during this work.
-
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
IFA2 electrifies students with ‘Mad Science’ assembly
In February, pupils from Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School were paid a visit by representatives from IFA2, along with a couple of ‘Mad Scientists’ in an exciting presentation about electricity.
Read more »
In February, pupils from Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School were paid a visit by representatives from IFA2, along with a couple of ‘Mad Scientists’ in an exciting presentation about electricity.
As part of their commitment to the local community, IFA2 the organisation that is connecting England’s and France’s electricity supply via subsea cable - are encouraging pupils from across the area to engage in STEM subjects via a series of assemblies and workshops on electricity.
With over 200 children in attendance, IFA2’s Assistant Commercial Manager Craig Hunter and Project Manager Joe O’Loghlen, started the session with a talk about careers in engineering.
The Lee-on-the-Solent pupils were then joined by Super Sian and Electric Eddy from ‘Mad Science’ who presented a fun-filled interactive assembly. The assembly included quizzing the children on electric currents, famous electricians and getting some trusty volunteers to demonstrate how static electricity works on a Van de Graaff generator.
Craig Hunter, Assistant Commercial Manager at IFA2, said: “As we continue to work on the IFA2 project, we feel it’s important to inspire children living in the area about the importance of electricity and STEM subjects.
“We are looking forward to getting more local schools involved in the Mad Science workshops which will be offered as part of the programme.”
Darren Nickerson, Headteacher at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School, added: “The children really enjoyed having the ‘mad scientists’ in school. It was great to see them engaging with a topical subject that’s relevant to the area. It is vital to inspire our next generation on future prospects and the assembly did it perfectly.”
Following the Mad Science assembly, the pupils took part in workshops to learn more about electricity. The workshops consisted of an in-depth session on electricity, constructing electricity circuits to demonstrate how electricity works as well as making a static electricity chain via the Van De Graaf generator. The programme is free and any primary school in the area is invited can take part.