The IFA 2000 high voltage transmission link between France and the UK is to be upgraded under a Euros 70 million contract awarded by National Grid and RTE to Areva.
Areva’s Transmission and Distribution division’s work will enhance the reliability and reinforce the availability of IFA 2000, which is the world’s largest subsea high voltage direct current (HVDC) scheme. The company will replace the existing high voltage converter equipment and the control and cooling system, implementing its H-400 HVDC thyristor valves and Series V control system.
The IFA 2000 connection has contributed to the development of the competitive European electricity market by allowing power to flow between the French and the UK’s national power systems.
Philippe Guillemot, Chairman and CEO of Areva’s T&D division said: “IFA 2000 has been a pioneering interconnection and a positive example of effective co-operation and partnership between European electricity companies.
“Our knowledge and experience of this interconnection dates back to 1986 when AREVA supplied the original HVDC converters. We are therefore extremely confident that we can provide the most appropriate solutions that will maximise the performance and efficiency of the scheme.”
