Power grids consult mkt on new UK interconnectors
PARIS, Sept 8 (Reuters) - The French, Belgian and British power grid operators said on Monday they were starting to consult the market on whether there was a need for additional cross-border capacity between the UK and the rest of Europe. Since 1986, French grid operator RTE (EDF.PA) and its UK equivalent National Grid (NG.L) have operated a 2,000-megawatt (MW) subsea cable that links the power networks of both countries.
The consultation comes in the context of grid investments that will be needed across Europe in the coming years to accommodate new power stations and the growth of renewables, RTE, National Grid and Belgium's Elia said in a joint statement. The three-week long consultation will also seek feedback on longer-term capacity products, possibly with durations of up to ten years, the grids added.
A number of projects are already under study, including an interconnector between Belgium and Britain with a capacity of up to 1,300 MW. (Reporting by Muriel Boselli. Editing by John Stonestreet)
