An ambitious series of cables linking the National Grids of both France and the UK - using the Channel Tunnel - is set to finally go live after preparation work was completed.

The multi-million pound ElecLink service is designed to provide power security to the two countries and the use of more renewable energy. It is also designed to lower consumer bills.

Fully owned by Getlink, the parent company of Eurotunnel, extensive checks have been carried out over recent months and the power-share is now able to go live. Work on laying the cables was completed last May.

Eleclink is a one giga-watt high-voltage direct current (HVDC) linking the two nations which says it will support decarbonisation and the affordability of consumer energy bills.

However, it should be noted that Europe's energy prices have also seen sharp increases this year.

It also claims to be greener than alternatives by using the tunnel rather than cables on the seabed which interfere with the marine ecosystem.

The first power flow will be transferred over the 52km-long cable installed into the Channel Tunnel on May 25. Power from the Continent will flow to a sub-station at Sellindge, between Hythe and Ashford.

Yann Leriche, chief executive officer of Getlink, said: “Given the current unprecedented volatility and uncertainty in electricity prices in the UK and France the go live of ElecLink could not come at a better time for energy consumers across both countries”.