Channel Cable is conducting on an ongoing basis the most comprehensive environmental studies of the English Channel to date, investing heavily on detailed environmental studies and project planning to assess and subsequently minimise environmental impact. Channel Cables geophysical surveys are conducted, with thousands of objects on the seabed inspected.
We are usually asked about:
Why are we building Channel Cable?
What are the main environmental issues?
Once the cables are in place, they are not expected to have much influence on nature – except for one positive impact. The cables burial protection measures where implemented might come to serve as an artificial reef, creating a new habitat for flora, fish, and other fauna.
Whats special about the technology used?
Will there be any impact on fisheries?
In soft seabed conditions the cable will be well covered, making it possible to fish using all types of fishing gear (including bottom trawling) after the cable has been protected.
The cables location will be clearly show on all marine navigation charts.
How do you install cables under the Channel?
In sensitive areas and busy shipping lanes, additional burial protection, in the form or large rock boulders will be placed over the cable. These will form artificial reefs which will benefit marine ecology.
Is this transmission project safe?
If damaged, the electrical protection systems within the HVDC converter stations will shut down the system within fractions of a second. In this unlikely event, current and voltage are reduced to zero in the cable
Does HVDC generate induced currents from EMF?
How long will this transmission cable be in service?
Who will pay for the interconnector?
Only the users, power utilities, energy traders and generators who use the capacity will pay for the transmission service. The interconnector investment will not require any financial contribution from consumer tariffs.