Opportunities in Electricity Interconnection Capacity in Europe

Increasing use of renewable generation and the push for greater European market integration are driving interconnector projects forward.

Introduction

€100bn of investment in onshore and offshore high voltage transmission capacity in Europe is required over the next 10 years if European-level environmental and economic objectives are to be achieved.

Scope

• Analysis of the drivers for, and barriers facing, interconnector projects in the European electricity market.
• Detailed tables of net transfer capacity, existing interconnector projects, and significant subsea interconnectors in Europe.

Highlights

The increasing amount of variable renewable energy will be the main driver of interconnector demand.

Reasons to Purchase

• Despite difficult economic conditions in Europe, the arguments for pressing ahead with interconnector projects should be kept in mind.
• Europe as a whole is better off with lower average generation costs.
• Reaching emission targets will require greater integration of renewables into the grid, and greater interconnection capacity between markets.
• Interconnector capacity can offset some of the need for reserve plant capacity, again lowering costs.