Build July (2016)

Build Magazine 78 Connecting Elements - Creating Secure Energy Infrastructure These are critical times for the UK’s energy industry. We are edging ever closer towards the deadline for the 2020 climate and energy package, as set out by the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive, but with a lack of clarity on energy policy and a resulting loss of confidence in the investment sector, we are at risk of not meeting the targets that have been set. If one thing is clear, it is that further investment is needed in the UK’s energy infrastructure, which would create significant opportunities for contractors. Interconnectors – a large-scale solution Despite the confidence issues, there are still some positive signs of development in renewable energy projects, as well as the emerging technology of energy storage, which is expected to grow significant in the coming years. Another solution which is already creating jobs in the construction and engineering sectors is the development of interconnectors. These huge, high-voltage transmission cables allow electricity to flow from one country, helping to bridge gaps in energy generation by taking advantage of changes in demand and supply of electricity in different countries. When the UK, for example, generates more electricity than it needs for its own activities we can sell surplus energy to a neighbouring country – and vice versa. With continued delays to the UK’s nuclear new-build programme and unabated coal firing plants set to be phased out by 2025, there is a very real risk of increased blackouts in the UK if shorter-term measures are not put in place. Proven technology The potential of interconnectors to add resilience and provide greater security to our energy network have already been recognised by the government and the EU. There is a target for all EU member states to achieve interconnection of at least ten per cent of their installed electricity production capacity by 2020. Electricity interconnectors are already in place linking the UK to Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, France and the Netherlands, and there are many others planned. In March Ofgem launched a consultation into a further three interconnectors, adding to the ElecLink (France) and Nemo Link (Belgium) projects already under way. As recently as June, a new £1.1billion, privately-funded interconnector linking the UK and France was announced, which is expected to create up to 500 jobs across the supply chain during the construction phase before it goes online in 2021. Engineering excellence Of course, like any major infrastructure project of this kind, interconnectors require a huge amount of engineering excellence. Nemo Link, for example, which is a joint project between National Grid Nemo Link Limited, a subsidiary company of the UK’s National Grid Plc, and the Belgian Elia group, will consist of 400kV subsea and underground cables, connected to a converter station and an electricity substation in each country – a total distance of 140km. The routeing of the subsea cables must be carefully considered, taking into account factors such as the landing technique of the cables, coastal geology and processes, beach gradient, environmental sensitivity, rivers and watercourses, existing infrastructure and access. Linking the electricity systems of two countries, interconnectors could be the key to ensuring energy security in the face of continued uncertainty. Andy King, director of energy at engineering and environmental consultancy Sweco UK, considers their potential.