The partners developing the FAB Project remain fully committed to the 1.4GW electricity interconnector between Britain and France after the French energy regulator said it needed more clarity on the conditions of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
The CRE (Commission de régulation de l’énergie/Regulatory Commission of Energy), has written to the FAB Project’s French partners, RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Electricité), saying it is not yet in a position to offer its support to future electricity interconnector projects between Britain and France beyond those already approved.
Nevertheless, the team behind the FAB Project remains confident in the long-term economic case for increased trade in electricity between Britain and France.
James Dickson, FAB Link Project Director, said: “Given that regulatory support is an essential part of the project, this decision will inevitably lead to a delay to our programme of development and subsequent construction. We are studying the CRE’s announcement in detail and are exploring all options to ensure the project achieves a final investment decision as quickly as possible. We remain committed to finding the best way to proceed so we can complete this project of international importance.
“The FAB Project will increase energy security, bring new competition in wholesale energy markets, and contribute to the increased use of renewable energy in Britain and France. These fundamentals remain sound, and the sooner we can complete the project the sooner the benefits will flow to consumers and businesses in both countries.”
The FAB Project is being developed in the UK and Alderney by FAB Link Ltd, a joint venture between Transmission Investment and Alderney Renewable Energy, and in France by RTE, the French national grid company. Work on the construction phase of the 220-km subsea and underground interconnector project had been due to start in 2018.
For more details on the FAB Project, please see www.fablink.net.