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Two prime ministers herald world's longest subsea power link

By: Lewis Holdsworth 26/03/2015 DECC

General Grid Interconnectors

National Grid and Statnett reach an agreement to construct an interconnector between UK and Norway. The 1400 MW subsea electricity cable will connect the two countries' electricity markets directly for the first time.

The joint statement was issued by the British and Norwegian Prime Ministers

"The UK and Norway have worked in partnership for many decades to create a strong North Sea oil and gas sector, which continues to provide many thousands of jobs and shared infrastructure that delivers safe and secure energy supplies.

We now warmly welcome a new link: the North Sea Network (NSN) electricity interconnector, which moves ahead with the final investment decision announced by the National Grid and Statnett:

Tthe infrastructure is first-class technology leadership; when completed, NSN will be the world’s longest subsea interconnector with the capacity to transmit 1.4 GW of electricity
By linking our electricity markets, the project is a forward-looking endeavour that will maximise the potential economic benefits of our national energy systems
NSN strengthens mutual security of supply, enhancing energy security in both countries by linking our power markets, and reinforcing capacity in times of system stress

The North Sea has long provided our countries with abundant resources that have underpinned economic growth. Recent developments such as the UK’s new Oil and Gas Authority and the Johan Sverdrup field, Norway’s biggest industrial project, will help maximise the potential of both the UK and Norwegian Continental Shelves for future generations.

Natural gas imports from Norway will continue to be a fundamental part of the UK’s energy mix, and as a reliable supplier, Norway will continue to facilitate exports to maintain supplies to the UK and other European markets.

The deployment of marine renewable energy resources is at the forefront of our innovation and climate change agenda. With the UK as the leading hub for offshore wind, both Norwegian and British companies are working together to expand this industry. We look forward to onshore construction works beginning at Dudgeon wind farm this year, and welcome Statkraft and RWE’s new partnership to develop Triton Knoll later this decade.

On carbon capture and storage (CCS), Norway and the UK are leading the way in Europe, with Norway the only country with operational full scale CCS projects. The UK’s projects in development under the £1 billion Commercialisation Programme could result in world firsts for commercial scale CCS projects on a gas fired power station at Peterhead, and using oxy-combustion technology at White Rose.

By connecting our 2 countries, the decision announced by National Grid and Statnett today marks a strengthening of our energy partnership.

This statement signals the start of the construction phase for the 730 kilometre interconnector between UK and Norway.

The NSN Link would be the first electricity interconnector between the two countries.

Auke Lont, Statnett CEO said: “We are proud to be part of this project. Not only is this a technically impressive project where we will set a new world record, it is also an important contribution to facilitate renewable energy production on both sides, and thereby an essential part of the future electricity system. In addition it will contribute to security of supply and value creation for both Norway and the UK”

Alan Foster, director of European Business Development for National Grid said: “Access to low-carbon energy from Norway hydro power stations will help us meet the challenge of greener, affordable energy. It also adds to the diversity of energy sources for UK and potentially can reduce peak prices with benefits for consumers and businesses”

The interconnector would run from Blyth in Northumberland to Kvilldal in Rogaland on the Norwegian side. There will be a converter station on each side where the interconnector is connected to the on-shore grid. The project is estimated to cost around €1.5 to 2 billion to be shared jointly. The interconnector is planned to be completed by 2021.

You can visit the NSN Interconnector HERE on our new interconnectors page

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Two prime ministers herald world's longest subsea power link

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