Key facts
- The Interconnexion France-Angleterre (IFA) link will have its life extended at least until 2050.
- The investment is part of National Grid's plan to invest at least $93 billion by March 2031.
- IFA can carry enough electricity to power about 3 million British homes annually.
- National Grid analysis found interconnectors delivered $2.66 billion in net benefits to British consumers since 2023.
UK's National Grid plans to invest up to $532 million to extend the operation of the UK-France power interconnector, known as the Interconnexion France-Angleterre (IFA), until at least 2050. The cross-border electricity link, jointly owned by National Grid and French grid operator RTE, has been in operation for 40 years. This investment is part of National Grid's broader plan to invest at least $93 billion by March 2031. IFA is Britain's largest subsea electricity connection by capacity, capable of powering approximately 3 million British homes annually. Historically, electricity has flowed mainly from France to Great Britain, but the link also supports reverse flows when market conditions allow, as seen in 2022 when UK exports aided France during nuclear fleet outages. National Grid argues that preserving access to cheaper French nuclear generation will help lower prices for British consumers, especially as renewable generation grows.