European supergrid gaining momentum

The failure to build the grid, it says, will severely curtail the effectiveness of new renewable generating capacity, such as the UK's burgeoning offshore wind sector. A lack of interconnectivity between European national power grids means surplus power generated by intermittent resources, such as wind and solar, in one part of the continent cannot be directed to areas of high demand elsewhere and is going to waste. The European Wind Energy Association estimates that 10% of Europe's electricity requirements could be met by offshore wind, but only if its development is supported by a pan-European power grid. At present, more than 90% of electricity generated in Europe is consumed in the coun