Chief Secretary announces latest step in world leading power infrastructure project at Eurotunnel
23 Apr 2014 12:58 PM
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon.
Danny Alexander MP announces latest stage of plans to link the French and UK
power grids.
The
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon. Danny Alexander MP, has visited
Eurotunnel where he announced the latest stage of pioneering new infrastructure
plans to link the French and UK power grids.
The
project, “Eleclink”, has just received the latest round of
necessary approvals from energy regulators of France and the United Kingdom,
CRE and OFGEM respectively, which Eurotunnel hope will pave the way for
construction to begin later this year.
Now
in its 20th year, over 330 million people have travelled through the Channel
Tunnel. However this latest project will carry power not people across the
channel and help send up to 50 per cent more electricity between Britain and
France.
In
a speech to
Eurotunnel employees the Chief Secretary also announced how over 2000
infrastructure projects and improvements have now been successfully completed
since 2010. Some highlights include:
- Over 850 energy generation projects have been completed
since 2010, including the £1.5 billion London Array offshore wind
project, and the £1.3 billion gas-fired power station in Pembroke. It
also includes many smaller scale innovative green energy schemes of local
significance
- Over 500 flood defence schemes have been completed
– including protection along the River Trent in Nottingham, and on the
Humber in Stallingborough
- Over 650 transport upgrades are now complete –
from the enormous new London Gateway Port, to hundreds of railway station
improvements up and down the country
View our infographic on the number of infrastructure
projects completed since 2010.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon. Danny
Alexander MP said:
Investing in our infrastructure is a vital part of our
plan to repair and rebalance the British economy.
The
government is investing public money and creating the right climate for
business investment in infrastructure. Infrastructure unlocks the potential for
economic growth that is essential if we are to build the stronger economy and
fairer society that Britain deserves.
The
success of Eurotunnel and their plans for expansion and for the Eleclink are
show case examples of what can be achieved. The government is committed to
delivery with 2000 infrastructure projects or improvements to projects
completed since 2010.
Read the National
Infrastructure Plan.
Emmanuel Moulin, Deputy Chief Executive of Groupe
Eurotunnel SA said:
We
are delighted that, in our 20th Anniversary year, the Channel Tunnel is
recognised as the vital link for travel and trade between the UK and
continental Europe.
Our
business is growing and we will continue to bring innovative and effective
solutions to infrastructure needs and to deliver high quality customer service
in all our markets.
Read the
Chief Secretary’s speech.