Norway to GB interconnector underway

National Grid and Statnett, the Norwegian Transmission System Operator, have signed an ownership agreement which signals the start of the construction phase for the proposed 730 km interconnector between UK and Norway. With a planned capacity of 1.4 GW, the NSN Link would be the first electricity interconnector between the two countries and, reportedly, the world’s longest.

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 grid. The project is estimated to cost €2bn, to be shared jointly, and the interconnector is planned to be completed by 2021.

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’ 

Meanwhile, Ofgem is consulting on proposals to approve the need for three more new electricity interconnectors, which could be built by 2020 and provide around 3.4 GW of electricity capacity. 

Two of the interconnectors (FAB Link and IFA2) would connect Britain’s electricity system with France and one (Viking Link) with Denmark. However, Ofgem is also consulting on not progressing the application for an interconnector between Britain and Ireland (Greenlink), as proposals did not demonstrate enough value for GB consumers.