HVDC Interconnectors

[AE-NMidlands]

1% of generated power is Coal now.

Relatively big update on the UK-Germany "Neuconnect" link.
They've raised all of the capital required and construction is slated to start this autumn.
Reminder, it's a 1.4GW bidirectional HVDC interconnector running from the Isle of Grain in Kent, to Wilhelmshaven in Germany. Should be commissioned by 2025.
https://neuconnect-interconnector.com/f ... ial-close/

Well, I suppose it is better that we burn high calorific-value coal and export the electricity than the Germans burn brown coal! (Clutching at straws here...)

[dan_b]

Quite a major update for the proposed FAB Link Interconnector.
F- France
A- Alderney
B- Britain

This will now be the FB link. Planning issues and local objections on the Island means the cable route will no longer go via Alderney Island.
Meanwhile Ofgen has delayed again its decision on whether to approve the project - I guess its got its hands full with changing the energy price cap every week?

The developers are still hoping to start construction in 2025. Wonder if the French nuclear fleet will be back up and running by then?

[dan_b]

Double NeuConnect update

Italian firm Prysmian Group has begun manufacturing the 720km long HVDC interconnector cables.
And, cable laying surveys have begun from the Isle of Grain out North East.

They're planning to start major civil constructions in 2023, but with a commissioning date now slipping back to 2027/2028.

[Mr Gus]

Will they be flying drones over the interconnector area as a matter of security in the future (based on current political events)?

If so then they may wish to address Alderney as a tracking site or fight harder to strike a deal in general.
A place you can set down regardless of technologies current state should not be underestimated when the choice is ditch or land.

Whilst "A" may not be far from "F" it would make circuits easier for early notification of dodgy goings on's.

[dan_b]

Here's an updated table of the state of play with UK HVDC Interconnectors, including those in service, those in construction, those planned, and those that have been cancelled or are missing in action.

[GarethC]

Thanks Dan always enjoy these. Think more will appear as yet unplanned? Feels like we will need even more interconnectors.

[dan_b]

The UK Government a while back set a target of 18GW of interconnector capacity by a date I can't remember.
There is a reasonable path to 15GW by 2030 with what's still in planning or actually being built.
The other 3 projects don't look to me like they'll be constructed, and I've not seen any other signs of new projects being proposed. Yet.

[Countrypaul]

Being goverment soon as they realise they will miss their target, expect them to redefine what they mean by HVDC Interconnectors, probably to include the ones from Scotland to England

[Mart]

The UK Government a while back set a target of 18GW of interconnector capacity by a date I can't remember.
There is a reasonable path to 15GW by 2030 with what's still in planning or actually being built.
The other 3 projects don't look to me like they'll be constructed, and I've not seen any other signs of new projects being proposed. Yet.

Have to say I find it odd how there is so, so much rollout, year after year to about 15GW, then a complete stop after 2025. I don't think I've seen any scheme added to the OFGEM list for years, certainly nothing after 2025. I also seem to recall a target of 20GW(?) by 2030, but won't those extras need to appear soon on the planned list to make it by 2030?

Bit weird. But still a massive rise, tripling (5 to 15ish)) in the first half of this decade.

[dan_b]

I've been doing a bit of a geek dive into HVDCs and found another one which I had not previously heard about

"NorthConnect" - this was a planned 2nd connector between the UK and Norway.
Was intended to be a 1.4GW link, with 665km of sub-sea cables, landing at Peterhead in Scotland.
Planning consent was approved by local and Scottish Governments in 2019.
Was intended for construction to be underway by 2023 for commissioning in 2024.

Norwegian Government refused consent in the Summer of 2020.