The Aquind Interconnector project faces renewed scrutiny as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) expresses national security concerns, challenging its development.
- Aquind, a subsea and underground HVDC cable project, aims to connect France and the UK, supplying 5% of Britain’s electricity.
- Portsmouth communities and council have historically opposed the project, citing environmental and infrastructure threats, despite legal victories favouring Aquind.
- The MoD’s recent objections focus on military safety and national security, reversing earlier approval.
- Aquind criticises the MoD’s opposition as unfounded, highlighting inconsistencies and lack of due consideration.
The Aquind Interconnector project, a significant infrastructure endeavour, aims to establish a high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable linking Normandy in France to the Lovedean substation in Hampshire. Aquind Ltd, the project’s promoter, asserts that the cable will provide up to 5% of the electricity needed by Great Britain. Despite its potential benefits, the project has encountered staunch opposition from various quarters.
Portsmouth’s community and council have been vocal in their resistance since Aquind’s initial application for a development consent order (DCO) in November 2019. They argue that the project poses threats to local infrastructure, the environment, and ongoing coastal defence efforts. In an effort to mitigate concerns, Aquind reached an agreement with Portsmouth City Council in September 2023 to protect the delivery of the £63.7 million North Portsea Island Coastal Defence Scheme. Nevertheless, these assurances have not fully quelled local opposition.
The project’s path has been marred by significant legal and bureaucratic challenges. A pivotal moment occurred in early 2023 when the High Court overturned former business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng’s refusal of planning permission, following Aquind’s successful judicial review. However, as progress seemed imminent, the Ministry of Defence raised new objections in 2024, centring around national security issues tied to the cable intersecting Military Danger Area D037 and potential disruptions to legacy munitions disposal sites.
In a letter dated 23 August, the MoD expressed grave concerns, asserting that the development would ”unacceptably impede” military operations at HMNB Portsmouth and compromise national defence. The MoD outlined these issues in closed submissions, citing the evolving nature of defence threats and geopolitical tensions as key reasons for their stance. This opposition marks a stark reversal from the MoD’s 2020 position, which expressed no safeguarding concerns regarding the cable route.
Aquind has reacted strongly to the MoD’s pronouncements. Spokesperson Ben Iorio dismissed the ministry’s claims as unsubstantiated, pointing out the MoD’s previous acceptance of the cable route. Iorio emphasised the project’s alignment with similar interconnector projects like IFA2, which proceed without security incidents. He called into question the MoD’s protracted response time and urged for clarity and constructive engagement, labelling the opposition as lacking in necessary due diligence.
The Aquind Interconnector continues to be embroiled in controversy, with national security concerns challenging its progression.
