timeline

This is the expected timeline for the new interconnector, showing all the main stages from the start of the development phase through to commercial operation in 2030

OCTOBER

2016

Grid Connection Agreement in UK with National Grid

DECEMBER

2016

Interconnector License granted by Ofgem

MAY

2017

Grid Connection Agreement in France with RTE

JANUARY

2018

Initial Project Assessment of Cap and Floor scheme published by Ofgem

MARCH

2018

Prior consultation (concertation prealable) in France completed

APRIL

2018

Project of Common Interest (PCI) status awarded by European Commission

JULY

2018

Investment Request submitted to CRE and Ofgem

JANUARY

2019

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grant awarded by European Commission

JULY

2019

Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract procurement started

OCTOBER

2019

Offshore geophysical and geotechnical survey completed

MARCH

2020

Onshore geophysical and geotechnical surveys in France and UK completed

OCTOBER

2020

Outline Planning Application and Marine Licence Application in the UK

MARCH

2021

Granting of Outline Planning Permission in the UK

MAY

2021

Application for Environmental Authorisation and Maritime Public Area Utilisation Rights in France

JULY

2021

Application for Environmental Authorisation for the RTE grid connection in France

MAY

2022

Granting of Marine Licence in the UK

SEPTEMBER

2022

Public inquiry for Environmental Authorisation in France

MAY

2023

Granting of Environmental Authorisation in France

OCTOBER

2023

Granting of Maritime Public Area Utilisation Rights in France

2024

Regulatory approval in France and the UK

2025

Selection of Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractors

2026

Granting of Building Permit in France

2026

Final Investment Decision and start of construction

2030

Start of commercial operations