AQUIND interconnector Supporting the first nationally significant electricity interconnector project in the UK

What was the aim of the work?

The AQUIND Interconnector is a 2,000MW subsea and underground interconnector linking French and UK electricity grids between the south coast of England and Normandy, France. This high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bi-directional electric power transmission link would allow excess electricity from the UK or France to be transferred between countries. We started working with the AQUIND team during the early stages of the project, and we carried out marine cable route feasibility work to make sure the marine cable route across the Channel was the most effective. We also undertook scoping exercises; co-ordinated the marine environmental impact assessment (EIA) process and environmental statement (ES) production for the Development Consent Order (DCO) application; and we also attended public consultations about the project. Natural Power staff also acted as advisors for the marine aspects of the project. These members of staff worked with marine stakeholders during preparation of the applications, both in the UK and France.


What was the outcome?

Natural Power led negotiations for marine aspects of the project during the consultation process. We brought a highly professional and knowledgeable approach to a growth area of offshore infrastructure. We were able to respond readily to requests for work that lay beyond the original scope of works. We also responded quickly and effectively to last minutes changes in the application, while still delivering the application within the timeframes agreed with the Planning Inspectorate and French authorities.


What did Natural Power do to get this result?

Our UK and French teams provided several services on this project. This included:

• Co-ordinating scoping exercises and producing scoping reports;
• Co-ordinating and producing the Preliminary Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) chapters and the final EIA documentation for the DCO application submission and application to French authorities;
• Performing the Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA), water framework directive (WFD) assessment and marine conservation zone assessment;
• Managing and working with marine stakeholders;
• Commercial fisheries liaison and consultation;
• Undertaking marine ecology surveys, integrating environmental data with geophysical survey data to produce habitat maps;
• Supporting the initial ground investigation work (geophysical and geotechnical surveys) by providing the European Protected Species risk assessments, voluntary notifications, HRA, Notice to Mariners, and provision of a Fisheries Liaison Officer and marine mammal mitigation services.