Overview

The FAB Link project will be a high voltage electrical Direct Current (DC) link with a capacity of up to 1400MW connecting the substation of Exeter (Devon, England) to Menuel (Cotentin, France), with an option to go via the channel island of Alderney.

Project of Common Interest

To help create an integrated EU energy market, the European Commission has drawn up a list of key energy infrastructure projects – known as projects of common interest (PCIs). These are essential for completing the European internal energy market and for reaching the Union’s energy policy objectives of affordable, secure and sustainable energy. The FAB Link project was included in the first PCI list published in 2013 and subsequent list in 2015. The list of PCIs is updated every two years to integrate newly needed projects and remove obsolete ones. The FAB Link Project was retained in the PCI list which was updated in 2017.

The European Commission has adopted guidelines to assist in the development of energy networks within Europe. These networks will play an important role in ensuring an efficient energy market within Europe and the security and diversification of energy supply. These guidelines are known as the TEN-E Regulation. They set out guidelines for streamlining the permitting process for major energy infrastructure projects that contribute to European energy networks. These projects are referred to as Projects of Common Interest.

Further information on the Regulation can be found on the European Commission Website at: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/pci/pci_en.htm

National Competent Authority

The guidelines require each country to identify a body that is responsible for ensuring the requirements of the TEN-E Regulation are fulfilled. This is known as the National Competent Authority. The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change is the designated national competent authority for PCIs in the UK. In the case of the FAB Project the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has delegated authority to co-ordinate the TEN-E process to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). DECC has produced guidance, known as the Manual of Procedures, which sets out practical advice for developers and the general public.

Further information and a copy of the Manual of Procedures can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/consents-and-planning-applications-for-national-energy-infrastructure-projects