ElecLink construction completion planned for mid-2020

London — Getlink plans to complete construction of its 1 GW ElecLink subsea interconnector being laid through the rail tunnel between France and the UK by mid-year, with first operation from mid-2020, company data sent to S&P Global Platts showed.

An updated development phase plan shows construction completion during the second quarter, followed by an "operation phase". Testing and commissioning of large interconnectors can take several months.

"We will announce our plans and dates for the start of operation via our website in due course," the company said.

On January 23, Getlink said it would find out in April whether it can proceed with pulling the cable through the tunnel.

The HVDC project has been delayed by suspension of its conditional consent in October 2017 by the Intergovernmental Commission.

The IGC supervises construction and operation matters relating to the tunnel on behalf of the French and UK governments.

Earlier in January, it received a final dossier from the operator containing a risk assessment of the new interconnector.

The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority had engaged external experts to advise on specific points in the dossier, the IGC said January 9.