FAB Link is a proposed 220 kilometres (140 mi) France-Alderney-Britain cable link. A European project, part of a series of grid ‘interconnectors’ between mainland Europe and UK, part of the High-voltage direct current (HVDC) power interconnector system.
Contents
- Cables
- Cost and Construction Schedule
- FAB Link Electricity Interconnector
- By Products
- Controversy
- References
In 2016 only one link (IFA 2000MW) connects France with the United Kingdom and one (Britned 1000MW) from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.
The project is being jointly developed by Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTE) and FAB Link Limited.
Cables
Twin 700 MW cables giving a capacity of 1,400 MW.
25km AC land cables in France, landfall will be made at Siouville-Hague, 30 km HVDC submarine cables between France and Alderney. 1km land cables across Alderney, 140 km HVDC submarine cables with landfall at Budleigh Salterton with 20km AC land cables in England.
Land cables carry 400 Kv AC Voltage, The submarine voltage will be 320 Kv DC Voltage.
Voltage Sourced Converters (VSC) are the preferred converter technology.
Cost and Construction Schedule
The cost is estimated at €750m.
The FAB project has received funding from the European Commission through the Connecting Europe Facility of €7.235m
Approval for the project is expected after Ofgem give their final project assessment decision in July 2017 with the final investment decision made in late 2017.
The project is scheduled to commence construction in 2018 with a proposed completion by 2022.
FAB Link Electricity Interconnector
The FAB Link in Alderney is a set of cables, each 5 inches in diameter, buried 1-2 metres deep crossing Alderney at Longis Common. It connects to the undersea cables from France to Alderney and from Alderney to England.
FAB Link Limited is a joint venture between Alderney Renewable Energy Limited and Transmission Investment LLP. Transmission Investment is a leading independent transmission business spanning origination, project development, acquisition management, financial structuring and asset management.
By-Products
FAB will facilitate the export of electricity from Tidal Turbines in Alderney’s waters.
Submarine power cables need to incorporate fibre optic cables to monitor performance, which gives an excess capacity that can be used for high-speed communications.
Alderney would receive rent of around £70,000 per annum for the facilities they provide together with a possible reduction in electricity prices paid by consumers.
Controversy
Some Alderney residents believe the character of Alderney would be ruined and a protest demonstration is planned. Other Alderney residents appreciate the link is essential for the tidal turbine project and can see the financial benefits to the island.