National Grid will invest up to £400 million in a cross border electricity link between the UK and France.
The financing will ensure the operation of Interconnexion France-Angleterre (IFA) will continue until at least 2050.
The investment was announced as IFA marked 40 years of operation when it began operating in 1986. It was the first modern electricity interconnector linking the UK with continental Europe and only the second subsea high voltage direct current cable link in the world.
It is still this country’s largest subsea connection by capacity and can carry enough electricity to power approximately three million UK homes annually.
Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, said: “For decades, Britain has exchanged energy with its European neighbours, boosting the resilience of our energy systems and saving consumers billions of pounds.
“Today’s investment will ensure this vital link continues into the second half of this century, ensuring British consumers can benefit from lower-cost electricity for generations to come.”
Analysis has found that its interconnectors have delivered £2 billion in net benefits to UK consumers since 2023, compared with traditional gas generation.
National Grid says as renewable generation grows, interconnectors can provide further opportunities to export electricity when UK supply exceeds domestic demand.
The upcoming programme will include upgrades to essential technical equipment, buildings and facilities at the interconnector site.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN