ElecLink
Cross BorderOperational
FRGB
1,000 MW320 kV69 km2022Also known as:NESO TEC PRO-000286
Status:Operational
Capacity:1,000 MW
Project Company:
ElecLink Limited
Type:cross border
Website:www.eleclink.co.uk
ElecLink is a 1,000 MW bi‑directional HVDC interconnector linking the Great Britain and French transmission systems via the Channel Tunnel. Developed and owned by ElecLink (a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Getlink/Eurotunnel), the link was constructed using voltage‑sourced converters in a modular multilevel converter (VSC‑MMC) arrangement and operates at approximately ±320 kV...
Supply Chain (7)
Project Timeline (36)
22 Dec 2025Financial Other
Getlink, the owner of the ElecLink interconnector, reached an agreement with its insurers for approximately €55 million in compensation for operating losses caused by a prolonged ElecLink outage from 25 September 2024 to 5 February 2025. The settlement covers revenue lost while the high‑voltage electricity link through the Channel Tunnel was offline for fault investigation and repairs, with €5 million already booked in the first half of 2025 and the remaining €50 million to be recognised in Getlink’s consolidated 2025 financial statements.
€55M
5 Feb 2025Cable Repair
During the ElecLink outage that began on 25 September 2024, fault investigation and repair works were undertaken on the high‑voltage interconnector cable installed in the Channel Tunnel. Initial repairs proved insufficient when subsequent testing revealed a second related fault, extending the repair campaign and keeping the link out of service until early February 2025, with activities continuing up to 5 February 2025 before the asset could begin returning to operation.
5 Feb 2025System Restoration
After being shut down since 25 September 2024 due to a cable fault, ElecLink’s interconnector began returning to service in stages in early February 2025, with activity no longer fully suspended from 5 February 2025. Restoration work enabled the progressive re‑energisation and recommencement of power transfers between the French and UK grids following the extended outage and repair campaign.
6 Jan 2025Regulatory Other
Authority: Ofgem · Licence: Approval of further amendments to ElecLink Access Rules, including timing and administrative updates
On 6 January 2025, ElecLink announced that both Ofgem and CRE had approved a further set of changes to its Access Rules. The approved amendments covered intraday auction adjustments, intraday nomination gate timings, administrative updates required by the Joint Allocation Office to align with EU Harmonised Allocation Rules, and changes reflecting the transition from National Grid ESO to the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
25 Sept 2024Major Outage
A major fault on the ElecLink high‑voltage subsea interconnector running through the Channel Tunnel caused operations to stop on 25 September 2024. The link between the French and UK power grids remained fully offline as a safety measure until 5 February 2025, resulting in a prolonged outage during which ElecLink generated no revenue and Getlink later claimed operating losses under its insurance coverage.
3 Jun 2024Operations OtherStale
ElecLink stated that from Monday 3 June 2024 it will move its asset outage REMIT publications from the Elexon BMRS Portal to Nord Pool’s REMIT UMM Platform, changing the location where market participants access operational outage information for the ElecLink interconnector.
14 Mar 2024Operations Other
On 14 March 2024, ElecLink announced that it is developing a new, more user‑friendly and secure nomination platform in collaboration with Supercharge to replace its existing Neptune system, aiming to enhance the efficiency and reliability of managing nominations on the ElecLink interconnector, with launch planned for the following year.
23 Nov 2023Regulatory Other
Licence: Approval of amended ElecLink Splitting Rules Methodology for capacity product definition and splitting ranges
On 23 November 2023, the French regulator CRE approved ElecLink’s amended Splitting Rules Methodology, authorising new capacity products and greater flexibility in how annual and day-ahead capacity on the interconnector is split and adjusted, including provisions for unplanned outages.
6 Oct 2023Regulatory Other
Licence: Approval of amended ElecLink Access Rules for interconnector capacity allocation and nominations
On 6 October 2023, the French energy regulator CRE approved ElecLink’s amended Access Rules, aligning them with Ofgem’s earlier decision and bringing the updated rules into effect for capacity sold from 7 November 2023.
9 Aug 2023Regulatory Other
Authority: Ofgem · Licence: Approval of amended ElecLink Access Rules governing capacity allocation
On 9 August 2023, Ofgem approved a set of amendments to ElecLink’s Access Rules following an earlier consultation. The changes included moving Intraday Auction 1 to the evening of day‑ahead, adjusting Intraday Nomination Gate 1.1 timings, and slightly bringing forward the day‑ahead auction window, thereby updating the regulatory framework governing ElecLink’s capacity allocation on the GB side.