The projects have been controversial with locals in the affected areas. In Saxmundham, residents have set up a protest group, Saxmundham Against Needless Destruction, whose backers include Therese Coffey, the ex-local MP and former deputy prime minister.
The group’s website states: “Our historic market town and neighbouring villages are under threat by up to four monolithic converter stations, desecrating over 20 hectares of land with industrial buildings up to 26-metres-high, similar in size to Sizewell A nuclear power station – all sitting within good, arable farmland.”
Britain has nine operational interconnectors, including three with France and one each with Holland, Belgium, Norway and Denmark.
Data from the National Energy System Operator show net imports totalled a record 26.3 terawatt hour from January to September. France, with its fleet of nuclear power stations, has been the main supplier. This net flow may reverse as the UK expands its offshore wind farms.
But this too could bring problems. Ofgem has previously warned that although being able to export would benefit generators, UK consumers may lose out because demand from European markets could push up UK prices.
Ben Wilson, president of National Grid Ventures, said: “Consumer demand for electricity is set to double in the next 25 years. Between them, LionLink and Nautilus would have the capacity to power 4.2m UK homes – supplying clean, secure, renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”