The Power Cable Connecting Europe and America: A New Strategy for Exchanging Renewable Energy and Reducing Prices

  • A recent study indicates that over the next 20 years, most power grids will reach decarbonization.

  • By taking advantage of the time differences between the two continents, the transatlantic cable could optimize electricity generation.

Power Cable
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alba-otero

Alba Otero

Writer

“Observe, listen, and reflect” is my journalistic mantra. This philosophy guides me daily and ensures I produce quality journalism. My restlessness has led me explore new areas, such as sustainability and the energy transition, which are crucial to our future. In addition, I’ve also dabbled in street photography, an art that allows me to capture the essence of journalism in action.

Europe has ended the year with an increase in electricity prices due to two main factors. First, the so-called “Dunkelflaute phenomenon” has decreased the production of renewable energy during winter. Second, electricity grids are aging. This situation has resulted in price volatility, which a research team recently concluded could be reversed.

Atlantic interconnection. A study by energy think tank Ember has revealed that establishing a transatlantic power cable between Europe and North America is the most effective option for renewable electrification. This initiative aims to facilitate energy exchange between the two continents. It would do so by taking advantage of time differences and climate variations to optimize wind and solar generation alongside electricity consumption.

A growing need. The report indicates that most electricity grids will transition to decarbonization over the next 20 years. This shift is driven by the electrification of sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry, as well as the rising demand for electricity from data centers and air conditioning systems. This surge in electricity demand underscores the necessity for interconnecting the power grids of both continents to optimize energy flow and minimize price volatility.

Connecting through a submarine cable. Ember’s proposal aims to facilitate one-way electricity transmission and link two of the world’s largest continental grids. This connection would enable a significant exchange of energy and improve the efficiency of the energy market. Ember has also indicated that the project is entirely feasible. In fact, the think tank cites the ongoing project between Morocco and the United Kingdom (3.6 GW, 2,500 miles) as an example, which allows for effective electricity exchange between the two continents.

Additionally, the time differences between Europe and North America would optimize electricity generation through the transatlantic cable. This exchange would enhance price stability for electricity, given that fluctuations in supply and demand would be smoothed out across both continents.

Challenges. While the project’s potential impact could provide energy security for both regions and help meet decarbonization goals, some obstacles remain. These include the high cost of the required infrastructure and the technical complexities involved. Moreover, international coordination among governments is essential, particularly with President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming return to the White House and his policies favoring fossil fuels. The current geopolitical situation could also lead to risks of sabotage, similar to past incidents involving the Finland-Estonia power cable.

Overall, the study concludes that interconnecting the two continents offers a viable technical solution for securing an energy future. Despite the technical and geopolitical challenges, the prospect of an interconnected global energy system is valuable for addressing future energy issues.

Image | Leohoho

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