What is an interconnector?
An interconnector is a connection between the electricity transmission systems of different countries. For North Sea Link the connection will be made via subsea cables. An interconnector allows countries to trade power, helping to ensure safe, secure and affordable energy supplies.
What is a grid interconnector?
About interconnectors Interconnectors are high voltage cables that are used to connect the electricity systems of neighbouring countries. They allow us to trade excess power, such as renewable energy created by the sun, wind and water, between different countries.
How does an interconnector work?
Interconnectors provide the transmission capacity for electricity to flow between the two countries, with power flowing to the market that has higher prices. Interconnector operators principally make money through capacity auctions, with revenues driven by the size of price differences between the two markets.
What is a power interconnector?
An electricity interconnector runs under the sea, underground or via overhead cabling, to connect the electricity systems of two countries. It allows the trading and sharing of surplus electricity. There are also gas interconnectors, which enable the sharing of natural gas in a similar way.
How many interconnectors does the UK have?
Great Britain is connected to the rest of Europe through five interconnectors with a combined capacity of 5,000MW.
Where are the UK interconnectors?
Currently Britain has seven operational electricity interconnectors, connecting it to Ireland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway, providing almost 7% of the UK’s electricity last year.
How does National Grid make money?
Distribution companies charge suppliers for using the network. Suppliers then pass this cost on to consumers through the standing charge on your energy bills.
Is IFA2 operational?
National Grid now has four operational interconnectors – two to France (IFA and IFA2), one to the Netherlands (BritNed) and one to Belgium (Nemo Link). Two further projects are under construction – Norway (North Sea Link, to be operational in 2021) and Denmark (Viking Link, operational in 2023).
How many grids are there in the US?
Three Grids in the United States There is the Eastern Grid, the Western Grid and the Texas (ERCOT) Grid, with the Eastern Grid being the largest of the three.
Does the UK get electricity from France?
The U.K. is reliant on two massive power cables that transport electricity from France’s nuclear power stations across the Channel.
How does national grid make money?
Who owns IFA interconnector?
IFA Interconnector Interconnexion France-Angleterre (IFA) is a joint venture between the French Transmission Operator RTE and National Grid, operating the subsea electricity link between Great Britain and France, commissioned in 1986.