Elia stated that this is the first ever electricity interconnector development between the two countries and should the project go ahead, would provide greater access to electricity markets, promote competition, increase diversity of supply and contribute to energy security in Belgium and the UK.
The agreement allows initial feasibility studies to be further developed, and sets the framework by which the two companies would jointly pursue a possible future electricity interconnector project.
Elia said that this interconnector will be consistent with the European Union’s (EU’s) aspirations to promote greater interconnectivity between member states. Belgium already has significant interconnection with neighboring networks.
The UK has a 2,000MW interconnector link to France and the 1,000MW BritNed interconnector with the Netherlands is being built by National Grid and Dutch transmission system operator TenneT.
