AQUIND Interconnector

[5] These results were reported in a number of Energy industry publications in 2024.,[6][7][8] however there was also considerable local opposition to the specific route and overall proposal [9] The project has faced local opposition and attracted controversy due to claims regarding its environmental impact and links between the company's backers and the Conservative Party.

[1] HVDC involves lower transmission losses than the conventional alternating current (AC) technology used in most existing electricity networks.

The link was to be built as two separate 1,000 MW circuits, each with its own control and protection systems and auxiliary power supplies.

[13][14] The Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan claims that the cable and its associated data connections pose a risk to UK national security.

[17] In October 2021, AQUIND vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and stated that it would "not stand silently and accept slander based on xenophobia and the principles of guilt by association."

For instance, the Stop Aquind group has been actively voicing concerns and has gathered substantial support, including a petition with over 6,200 signatures submitted to the House of Parliament.

[22] In July 2019, Portsmouth Council formally objected to the plans, on the grounds that they would cause unacceptable disruption in a built-up area.

In January 2021, the CRE and Ofgem announced that they had discontinued a public consultation for the AQUIND Interconnector, as this exemption request process is only available to interconnector projects developed between EU member states, the UK ceased to be a member state and the Brexit transition period had ended.

On 21 October 2021, the business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng set a new deadline of 21 January 2022 for deciding on the planning application.

[18] On 20 January 2022, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng refused permission for the project, stating that he was not satisfied that "more appropriate alternatives to the proposed route" had been fully considered.

[2] In November 2022, that ruling by the Business Secretary was the subject of a judicial review at the High Court brought by Aquind Ltd. Justice Lieven has reserved her decision.