Aquind Interconnector – Decision still pending
Martin Silman
On my daily walks on Milton Common I talk to locals. Almost unanimously they are convinced that the Aquind Interconnector project is over. There will be no trenches across the common, no traffic chaos up the Eastern Road – our local environment will not be trashed by this damaging unnecessary project. Sadly, THIS IS NOT THE CASE. THE FIGHT CONTINUES.
Aquind have shown they will stop at nothing in their attempts to bully us all into submission.
On the 20th January a document titled ”Applicants response to MOD submission” (14. October 2024} was published on the Planning Inspectorate (PINs) website. This document was published on PINs website after a three month delay – we are told that this delay was “an administrative error”. Should you want to look at this revealing document, it has now been put into chronological order. (14. October 2024)
On the 27. August 2024 the MOD stated that the Aquind interconnector constituted a threat to National security. Aquind is now challenging this position.
MODS statements:
“The reasons why the Proposed Development is a cause of significant concern for the MOD and why MOD considers development consent should be refused necessarily involve information regarding UK defence and national security which it would be contrary to the national interest to disclose. ”
“Development consent for the Proposed Development should therefore be refused.”
How could Aquind with its history dare to question the MOD in a matter concerning our National Security?
This specific matter is currently under discussion and there is no time limit.
To remind you where we stand: Local councillors and MPs remain committed in their opposition to Aquind interconnector and have renewed their engagement with the DESNZ. Indeed, the opposition has grown. Recently, Havant Borough Council added their objections to the project.
Since the planning examination of the Aquind Interconnector, additional issues have arisen: locally construction works at the Ladybridge roundabout in Widley/Purbrook would take substantially longer than originally anticipated. There are two major infrastructure projects proposed: Rampion 2 Offshore Windfarm and the Southern water effluent recycling scheme, these will have additional impact.
In the UK Ofgem and in France CRE (the French equivalent to Ofgem) rejected Aquind for their 3rd cap and floor regime. Ofgem’s reasons are revealing:
“AQUIND is predicted to be a predominant exporter in all scenarios.”
“5.33 Having carefully considered the consultation responses as well as the different aspects of our IPA, we have decided to reject AQUIND’s application for a cap and floor regime as we are concerned with the potential negative effect this project has on the system. NESO’s analysis suggests that the introduction of AQUIND into the system would generate significant constraint costs. We consider the modelled increase in constraint costs generated by AQUIND is disproportionate and represents a risk to consumers if it were to materialise.”
Why would we want this project if it is mainly for the export of energy and a risk for the consumer?
In the UK, Aquind is marketed as being beneficial to the UK customer, bringing in a huge amount of energy. Similarly in France, Aquind states to the French public that it would be a valuable energy provider.
How does match up with popular opposition on both sides of the English Channel?
We are in regular contact with Non A Aquind in France.
As we write, in France Aquind remains locked in dispute with residents, local mayors and regional politicians who remain united against Aquind Interconnector.
Where do we go from here and what can you do to help?
So far, we have brought the Aquind project to a stop. We have shown that together, collectively, our voices are listened to. We need to raise our voices again.
How to do this:
Write to
We have to be vigilant – it is not over yet.
Viola Langley
Let’s Stop Aquind