In the energy industry, the term"cross-border interconnection points" refers to the interfaces between the electricity grids of different countries or control areas. Electricity is exchanged between the grids at these hubs. The cross-border interconnection points play a central role in the integration of the European electricity markets and contribute to the stability of the electricity supply and the optimisation of energy exchange.

Functions and importance of cross-border interconnectors in the energy industry:

• Electricity trading and market coupling: cross-border interconnectors enable international electricity trading and so-called market coupling, in which the electricity markets of different countries are coupled in order to equalise price differences and increase the efficiency of the entire system.
• Grid stability: They contribute to the stability of the electricity grids by helping to balance out imbalances in electricity generation and demand between regions. In the event of grid fluctuations in one country, balancing measures from neighbouring grids can be implemented via the cross-border interconnection points.
• Integration of renewable energies: Cross-border interconnectors are important for the integration of renewable energies, especially when feed-in fluctuates greatly. Countries with a high proportion of wind or solar energy can export surplus energy or import electricity in the event of bottlenecks.
• Technical requirements: Interconnectors must take into account technical requirements such as voltage level, frequency and synchronisation of the grids. In Europe, most electricity grids are synchronised to 50 Hz, but there are also differences in grid voltages or operating procedures.
• Security of the power supply: In the event of faults or failures in a grid, cross-border interconnectors can enable electricity to be forwarded from neighbouring grids and thus contribute to security of supply.

Examples of cross-border interconnectors in Europe:

• Germany - France (Achtetal): One of the most important cross-border interconnectors in Europe, through which large quantities of electricity are exchanged between the two countries.
• NorNed cable (Norway - Netherlands): A high-voltage direct current submarine cable connecting Norway and the Netherlands, enabling hydropower to be exported from Norway to the Netherlands.
• Converter stations: At certain border interconnection points, such as between Germany and Poland, converter stations are used to switch between the different grid systems (synchronous European grid and non-synchronous Eastern European grid).
  Border interconnection points are therefore important nodes in the European interconnected grid and play a key role in the security of energy supply and the economic optimisation of the energy market.