The IFA Interconnector that meets the UK in Sellindge can carry about 2GW between the two countries but the National Grid said a fire has forced a complete evacuation of the site.
Following the incident, it was forced to notify the wholesale electricity market that 1000MW would be unavailable until 27 March 2022 as a result. This is in addition to another planned 1000MW outage until 25 September that has caused electricity prices to soar.
The IFA connector was the first cross-Channel link, completed in 1961 with an initial 160MW capacity. This was eventually decommissioned in 1984 and replaced by a second link capable of carrying 2GW in 1986.
Another cable linking the two electricity systems, IFA-2, was also completed earlier this year, although yesterday’s incident will not have any impact on it, the National Grid added.
Prices of electricity on the day-ahead market peaked at £2,500.01 per MWh for delivery between 7pm and 8pm on the N2EX exchange, with...