Fears over national security threaten to nip UK – France subsea interconnector in the bud

The ongoing saga related to moves designed to snuff out a proposed cross-channel marine and underground high voltage direct current (HVDC) electric power transmission link between the South of England and Normandy in France has taken on a new dimension, as the proximity to a naval base stokes defense and national security concerns. Will the Ministry of Defence’s objection be the final nail in the coffin for this bi-directional green electric power link?

Following the objection from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), which was sent to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to express opposition over the proposed Aquind interconnector project on national security grounds, the spat between the developer of the £1.35 billion (more than $1.77 billion) Great Britain – France subsea link and the British government has been reignited, after the dust settled over the government’s move from January 2024, when it postponed its final decision about the proposed green electricity interconnection in response to MoD’s request.

The UK’s Ministry of Defence underlines that the proposed development is a cause of “significant concern,” thus, it called for a rejection of the development consent, citing information regarding defense and national security as the reasons behind its objection to Aquind. The MoD is adamant that the project would “unacceptably impede and compromise the safe and effective use of a key defence asset.”

The objection refers to His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth and Royal Navy (RN) operations in the HMNB Portsmouth area and the English Channel, including what for the ministry is the project’s potential to “unacceptably” limit military training, which in turn is deemed to represent “a clear risk to UK defence and national security.”

Furthermore, the MOD mentions a letter, dated August 22, from Captain Lee McLocklan RN, Captain of the Base (Portsmouth) and Deputy Naval Base Commander of HMNB Portsmouth, who underscores that in his view, which is based on his yearslong professional experience, Aquind would “clearly and unacceptably” impede and compromise the safe and effective use of HMNB Portsmouth, and the necessary military training required for its safe and effective use.

Even though the MoD is aware that the consent applicant for the interconnector has made offers to allow it to oversee the proposed development in its email from April 12, the ministry still does not consider that such action would sufficiently mitigate its concerns nor does it see any other sufficient or appropriate mitigation to be available.

Could this objection spell the end of the Aquind interconnector project? Time will tell, however, the Ministry of Defence’s latest move against Aquind in this high-stakes game of chess has prompted the interconnector developer not only to reject the MoD’s claim but also to describe the reasoning behind it as “unsubstantiated.”

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Ben Iorio, Aquind’s spokesperson, elaborated: “Aquind strongly dismisses the unsubstantiated position of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that Aquind interconnector would unacceptably impact HMNB Portsmouth. This stance marks a complete reversal from the MoD’s previous position during the 2020 examination, where they stated in correspondence to the Planning Inspectorate dated 6^th October 2020 that ‘the offshore cable route will intersect military Danger Area D037, however, we have no safeguarding concerns with the cable route passing through this danger area.'”

According to Iorio and the document from 2020, seen by Offshore Energy, the MoD further stated at the time that it had “no other offshore safeguarding concerns with this proposal,” as “Aquind interconnector cable route runs clear of the main navigation channels used for deploying warships out of HM Naval Base Portsmouth and only a small section of the cable route falls within the port limits. It is therefore unlikely that the route will need to be cleared should a warship need to be deployed.”

In addition, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the “information relating to maintenance and constriction works will be circulated by the project to the Queens Harbour Master (QHM) at Portsmouth and via Notices to Mariners so the QHM and Navy will be notified.” 

Iorio underscored that the surprise over the MoD’s current objections, which “lack substantiated justification” stems from the fact that the interconnector underwent rigorous engineering and environmental assessments, which entailed any potential impacts on HMNB Portsmouth, which led to the recommendation from the examining authority for the development consent to be granted.

Aquind’s spokesperson underlined: “While we will seek to understand contents of the closed submissions of the MoD through following the processes provided for by the Secretary of State, the MoD’s open representations fail to explain how Aquind interconnector would impact HMNB Portsmouth to an unacceptable extent, nor why mitigation to address the concerns is impossible. Despite repeated attempts to constructively engage with the MoD, as planning policy requires of both parties, our proposals are seemingly being dismissed by the MoD without the necessary due consideration.

“The technology and installation methodology for Aquind interconnector align with other operational interconnectors in the English Channel, like IFA2, which crosses directly in front of Portsmouth Harbour without security concerns. The MoD raised no issues with these projects, or with nearby offshore wind farms. If their concerns are valid, it would be expected that they should apply equally to all marine users in this location — a stance that is both impractical and economically damaging.“

Given that similar technology is already in use at this location without giving rise to the same concerns, Iorio is convinced that there is “no apparent logical basis” to conclude that the interconnector would cause the impacts now raised by the MoD, thus, the developer has deemed these concerns as being “entirely misplaced” and appearing to “misunderstand how such a project would be constructed and maintained.”

Aquind’s spokesperson emphasizes that the developer has expressed willingness to work in coordination with the MoD when offshore cable laying is underway, which typically gets done within a week in a particular location.

While maintenance operations tend to be infrequent and brief, Iorio is adamant that these could also be undertaken in coordination with the MoD, thus, the developer’s spokesperson sees “no basis on which such brief operations undertaken in coordination with the MoD could significantly impact HMNB Portsmouth’s safe and effective use or unacceptably limit military training.”

Iorio pointed out: “We also find it surprising that the MoD has taken months to explain issues that, at their core, involve straightforward safety and training concerns. This delay is perplexing given the importance of timely, transparent communication in matters of national security. Aquind interconnector is critical for the UK’s energy security, capable of powering up to 5 million homes and significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

“Over the coming 40 years of operation, the interconnector could generate billions of pounds of tax revenue that can be spent on the defence of the United Kingdom. Our commitment to the project has been affirmed through our legal success, including the 2023 judicial review that quashed the government’s previous unlawful refusal of development consent.“

In the meantime, Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South MP, has welcomed the stance the Ministry of Defence has taken on Aquind and its subsequent recommendation to block the interconnector project on national security grounds. Morgan’s support for the call to reject the project does not constitute a surprise since he has long raised the alleged risk to national security posed by the subsea link.

Morgan pointed out: “With Portsmouth being the heart and home of the Royal Navy, and in light of the untold disruption Aquind would bring to our city, I have long raised national security concerns as part of the representations I’ve been making on behalf of constituents.

“Following writing to the department recently, I welcome today’s intervention by the Ministry of Defence. After years of delays, Portsmouth people will be pleased to see how quickly the new government is progressing on this issue of importance to our city. I will continue to make the case, alongside local campaigners, for this project to be refused.”

Portsmouth South MP has taken part in a series of actions supporting the Stop Aquind campaign, including tabling questions in parliament, scrutinizing ministers, writing to departments on behalf of constituents, and launching a petition with over 6,000 signatures.

Before the MoD’s objection, a survey, conducted by Savanta, one of the founding members of the British Polling Confederation, revealed that 69% of Portsmouth residents support the development of a new transmission link between Portsmouth and Normandy. The interconnector developer interpreted the community endorsement as the public’s demand for initiatives that enhance energy affordability and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Based on the data from the survey, 94% of respondents noted a boost in energy costs in recent years, with 82% expressing dissatisfaction with current energy prices. In addition, a significant majority, 98%, believe the government should intensify efforts to combat climate and energy issues, with strong support for expanding energy transition infrastructure.

On top of this, the findings of the survey spotlight a growing preference for renewable energy sources, with solar power emerging as the most popular choice, as participants expressed a willingness to endure temporary disruption if it leads to the achievement of net-zero goals, emphasizing the community’s commitment to sustainable development.

Aquind, which in the words of its developer is leading the charge with the most immediately deployable interconnector in Europe, will have a 2 GW capacity, making it poised to meet approximately 5% of the UK’s energy needs, powering up to 5 million homes with a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs.

Iorio highlighted: “With a new government in charge of our country, and a highly ambitious programme of energy infrastructure construction, Aquind is ready to be part of the solution. We are committed to delivering the UK and Europe’s newest interconnector, which will offer increase our grid resilience, lower energy prices, and reduce our carbon emissions.

 “Portsmouth has spoken. Their message is a powerful, clear call to action: Build the infrastructure our country needs to power our homes and businesses, safeguard our environment, and address the issue of rising energy costs.”

On the other hand, opponents of the subsea interconnection project from the Let’s Stop Aquind (LSA) campaign were quick to refute what they deem as “grossly misleading claims” about public support for the interconnector.

“These claims are being rejected in the strongest possible terms by grassroots community group Let’s Stop Aquind (LSA), which has campaigned for nearly 4 years to stop the damage that the Aquind interconnector would cause to the environment and economy of Portsmouth and the South Downs, and the health of the residents in the affected area,” underscored the group.

Aquind proposes to install cables, designed to carry 2 million watts of electricity, under Eastney beach and to dig trenches and drill tunnels from the landing place, South to North, to connect the cables to the National Grid at Lovedean to enable electricity generated in Europe to flow to the UK and vice versa.

However, those who want to pull the plug on the subsea link state that the construction of this project would lead to many months of disruption and damage, with the possibility of unearthing toxic material long-buried safely in landfill sites, harming the environment.

Iorio highlighted: “We remain committed to ensuring Aquind interconnector proceeds in a way that addresses all concerns while delivering its many benefits. We urge the MoD to clarify their position and to engage constructively. The next steps in the DCO determination process will be answering any questions from the Secretary of State (SoS) for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

“We are also ready and willing to work with the MoD to mitigate any concerns regarding the cable route passing near HMNB Portsmouth, and in particular, working with the MoD to ensure their training schedule isn’t disrupted.“

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If Aquind gets the green light to proceed to the development phase, it is expected to allow electricity to flow to the UK and France in either direction, helping to boost energy security and resilience while also assisting in integrating renewable energy sources in both countries.

With a net capacity of 2 GW, the Aquind interconnector, which is ready to start construction on consent from the Secretary of State, will be able to transmit up to 17 TWh per year, equivalent to 3% of France’s total annual electricity consumption.

Envisioned to lend a helping hand in curbing the impact of volatile gas and coal prices, which have caused electricity bills to increase this autumn and winter by reducing the price of energy, Aquind Interconnector is expected to provide an economic boost to Portsmouth through the creation of around 500 qualified full-time jobs during the two-year construction with additional investment into the local economy.

The project is set to help integrate a greater proportion of non-fossil fuel energy sources and intermittent renewables into the GB energy mix, helping meet the UK’s 2050 net zero target by reducing CO2 emissions by 22.5 – 25.7 million tonnes over 25 years, avoiding the curtailment of 73,000 – 87,000 GWh of renewable power and reducing the use of fossil fuels in power generation by 92,000 GWh (in equivalent).

“We’re confident that the SoS will see the urgent need to make a positive decision on the planning permission for the project imminently, for the sake of the UK’s energy security, energy costs, and sustainability programme; we’re equally confident that through dialogue and cooperation, we can work with the MoD to understand and address any concerns they have,” concluded Iorio.

Recently, the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero and Chris Stark wrote to Fintan Slye, Director of the Electricity System Operator, requesting independent advice from NESO on the pathway towards the 2030 ambition, with expert analysis of the location and type of new investment and infrastructure needed to deliver it.

It remains to be seen whether Aquind will make the cut once the government makes up its mind about the project, given that the UK High Court previously quashed the decision brought at the beginning of 2022 to reject the 2 GW electricity interconnector between the UK and France.