Controversial Aquind project faces years in French legal limbo

The Aquind interconnector project which caused huge controversy in Portsmouth could be tied up in French red tape for years after suffering a legal setback.

Aquind wishes to lay an electricity interconnector cable between Portsmouth and Normandy in France.

Under the plans, the cable would land at Eastney and run north through Portsea Island via Eastern Road, then through Drayton, Purbrook and Waterlooville to a substation in Lovedean.

The £1.3bn scheme would use subsea and underground high-voltage direct current cables, which Aquind says could supply up to five per cent of Great Britain’s annual energy use.

Critics, including local campaign groups, local MPs and councillors have argued that the project would cause significant disruption for Portsmouth, which is one of the most densely populated cities in Europe.

It was previously reported that Aquind was facing a setback in France after it appealed a refusal to grant a maritime concession.

Yoann Collin, Mayor of Tourville-sur-Arques and president of campaign group Aquind: La Voix des Élus, said company has now taken the matter to the Administrative Court (Tribunal Administratif).

It’s been estimated it could take around 15 months for the court to reach a decision. Should Aquind lose, an appeal to France’s highest administrative court, the Council of State (Conseil d’État), could add another 15 months.

Campaigners say this means the project could be tied up in French legal proceedings for between 18 months and two-and-a-half years.

Mr Collin also said the political climate in France remained hostile to the scheme, with opposition from local mayors and council leaders, regional representatives, and national MPs and senators.

Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, said: “With French elections on the horizon, supporting this project would carry a massive political cost. No government wants to touch it. Challenging a public interest, territorial and environmental decision in French courts is incredibly difficult, so Aquind has a massive uphill battle ahead.

“While the project is stalled legally in France, it is not dead yet. No immediate progress can be made by Aquind, which gives us a vital window.

“The solidarity between opposition groups and residents on both sides of the Channel is more important than ever. Hearing this update reassures us that our allies in France are fighting just as hard as we are.

“This is why we’ve got to make sure the decision here in the UK is done properly, Aquind will challenge any decision made. I know it’s taking time, but it’s being done properly.”

Aquind was approached for comment.