Eurotunnel plan to carry electricity

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POWER LINE THROUGH TUNNEL WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR FRANCE AND THE UK TO IMPORT ELECTRICITY FROM EACH OTHER WHEN NEEDED EUROTUNNEL has unveiled plans to run a high-capacity power line through


the tunnel that will make it easier for France and the UK to share electricity when needed. The 500 megawatt cable will link power stations at Coquelles in the Pas-de-Calais with Sellindge


in Kent and could be operational by 2015, at a cost of about €250m. It will allow France to import electricity from the UK if its own supply drops or there is a surge in demand - and vice


versa. The plan comes as both countries look to generate more power from offshore wind, which fluctuates heavily depending on the weather. The cable will run through the existing service


tunnel that runs parallel to those used by passenger trains. Eurotunnel chief Jacques Gounon said he was confident that all the necessary planning permission would be granted within 18


months.