In a bold move to strengthen energy resilience and sustainability, the UK and France are reigniting their decades-long electricity partnership. With existing interconnectors already humming with activity, the two nations are now exploring the potential for another 1 GW of cross-Channel power capacity. But what does this mean for the future of energy in Europe? Let’s dive in.

A Legacy of Energy Collaboration

The UK and France have been energy allies since 1986, when the first IFA interconnector was launched. Fast forward to 2021 and 2022, and the partnership expanded with the addition of IFA2 and ElecLink, bringing the total interconnection capacity to a whopping 4 GW. These underwater cables act as energy superhighways, allowing the two countries to share power seamlessly, balancing supply and demand across borders.

Now, with energy security and decarbonization at the forefront of global priorities, the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) and Britain’s Ofgem are doubling down on their commitment. They’re not just maintaining the status quo—they’re pushing for more.

The Next Wave of Interconnectors

Ofgem has already given the green light to two major projects: FAB Link and GridLink. Both were granted preliminary approval under the cap and floor regime, a regulatory framework designed to incentivize investment in energy infrastructure. While FAB Link passed its 2022 review with flying colors, AQUIND’s proposal hit a snag, with Ofgem rejecting its application last year.

Meanwhile, in France, transmission system operator RTE has been busy analyzing four potential projects, including ElecLink 2, FAB Link, GridLink, and AQUIND. CRE’s preliminary findings suggest that 1 GW of additional capacity could be a game-changer—but only if the costs and benefits are shared equitably between the two nations.

The Challenges Ahead

It’s not all smooth sailing. The rising costs of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables and converters, coupled with the need to reinforce national grids, have thrown a wrench into the works. Both CRE and Ofgem agree that further discussions are essential to iron out the details, particularly around cost-sharing and revenue distribution.

By October 2025, the two regulators plan to publish an updated joint statement outlining their regulatory positions. They’ve also committed to a long-term joint study to explore the feasibility of new projects and establish fair cost-sharing mechanisms.

This isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a more resilient, sustainable energy future for Europe.