Milan-based Prysmian has won a 350 million euro contract from the National Grid to design, manufacture and install cables for an interconnector between Tourbe in France and Chilling in Hampshire, near Solent Airport.

The IFA2 interconnector will provide up to 1,000MW of high-voltage direct current (HVDC). The contract also includes a high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) link that will connect the converter station to a sub-station in Chilling.

Massimo Battani, energy-projects director at Prysmian, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this prestigious project by two of our most important customers — National Grid and the French group RTE — highlighting our technological leadership in submarine cable and transmission systems.”

Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “We have ambitious plans for the future of the Solent Airport area and its two new business parks. These agreements will help to ensure that the project co-exists happily alongside the airport.”