Powering Progress: National Grid’s IFA2 successfully connects The UK and France

Over seven years, we helped National Grid deliver IFA2 – a new interconnector linking the electricity transmission systems of the UK and France.  

The project required onshore consents at a number of different locations, as well as permission from the Marine Management Organisation for work offshore. 

Elements of this were extremely complex: the converter station is located close to the border of two local authorities, and by a growing enterprise zone and active airport. The cables for the project were laid in a busy waterway. 

We provided support at each key stage for the project, from site selection, through the planning process, to construction.  This involved support through every part of the planning process: from identifying relevant stakeholder and community groups, developing a programme of engagement which both supported project objectives and met regulatory requirements, a focused programme of stakeholder and political engagement, three rounds of public consultation, and supporter mobilisation following the submission of planning applications. 

There was a significant level of engagement required offshore, during the planning phase and construction. Over multiple phases of engagement, we built relationships of trust with maritime stakeholders and reduced challenge to the project. 

All required consents were secured for IFA2 in 2017. We worked with IFA2 through the entire construction period and into commissioning.