IFA2 link moves forward as converter stations selected

The planned IFA2 interconnector, which will become the second link between the UK and French electricity markets, has taken a step forward with ABB signing a contract to provide HVDC converter stations for the link.

The €270mn contract was given to ABB from the UK grid operator National Grid and the French network owner and operator Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE) to build the stations at the interconnector landing points – at Chilling in Hampshire, and at Tourbe in northern France.

The IFA2 subsea cable will be 240 km long and have a capacity of 1 GW. The converter stations at each end will transform alternating current into direct current to cross the link, and then back again for transmission on land. High voltage direct current allows electricity to travel long distances with minimal losses. 

IFA2 will accompany the original 70 km IFA (Interconnexion France–Angleterre) interconnector between Folkestone in Kent and Calais, which was commissioned in 1986. The 2 GW link was damaged by an anchor during storm Angus in November, reducing it to 1 GW. It returned to full capacity last month.

Meanwhile, the European Investment Bank is providing a €350mn loan to the Dutch and German transmission system operator TenneT to finance NordLink – the first interconnection between Germany and Norway across the North Sea. The planned 634 km link will have a capacity of 1.4 GW, and is aimed initially to bring surplus hydro generation from Norway to Germany. It is due to be completed in 2019.