Chief Secretary announces latest step in world leading power infrastructure project at Eurotunnel
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon. Danny Alexander MP announces latest stage of plans to link the French and UK power grids.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon. Danny Alexander MP, has visited Eurotunnel where he announced the latest stage of pioneering new infrastructure plans to link the French and UK power grids.
The project, “Eleclink”, has just received the latest round of necessary approvals from energy regulators of France and the United Kingdom, CRE and OFGEM respectively, which Eurotunnel hope will pave the way for construction to begin later this year.
Now in its 20th year, over 330 million people have travelled through the Channel Tunnel. However this latest project will carry power not people across the channel and help send up to 50 per cent more electricity between Britain and France.
In a speech to Eurotunnel employees the Chief Secretary also announced how over 2000 infrastructure projects and improvements have now been successfully completed since 2010. Some highlights include:
- Over 850 energy generation projects have been completed since 2010, including the £1.5 billion London Array offshore wind project, and the £1.3 billion gas-fired power station in Pembroke. It also includes many smaller scale innovative green energy schemes of local significance
- Over 500 flood defence schemes have been completed – including protection along the River Trent in Nottingham, and on the Humber in Stallingborough
- Over 650 transport upgrades are now complete – from the enormous new London Gateway Port, to hundreds of railway station improvements up and down the country
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon. Danny Alexander MP said:
Investing in our infrastructure is a vital part of our plan to repair and rebalance the British economy.
The government is investing public money and creating the right climate for business investment in infrastructure. Infrastructure unlocks the potential for economic growth that is essential if we are to build the stronger economy and fairer society that Britain deserves.
The success of Eurotunnel and their plans for expansion and for the Eleclink are show case examples of what can be achieved. The government is committed to delivery with 2000 infrastructure projects or improvements to projects completed since 2010.
Emmanuel Moulin, Deputy Chief Executive of Groupe Eurotunnel SA said:
We are delighted that, in our 20th Anniversary year, the Channel Tunnel is recognised as the vital link for travel and trade between the UK and continental Europe.
Our business is growing and we will continue to bring innovative and effective solutions to infrastructure needs and to deliver high quality customer service in all our markets.