UK-Norway interconnector feasibility is to be studied – again

3 February 2011


The previously proposed but abandoned project to build a Nor-Brit interconnector has come to the fore again.

Five north European energy companies – Vattenfall, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), Agder Energi, E-Co and Lyse – have signed an agreement to form NorthConnect, a jointly owned interconnector development company. The proposal is for a 700 km long electricity interconnector between the UK and Norway which would help to increase competition in Europe's electricity markets and stabilise energy prices.

NorthConnect will spend the next three to four years examining the technical and economic feasibility of developing, building and operating the HVDC interconnector.

“NorthConnect will make an important contribution towards developing the European market for electricity with increased competition in regional markets, a secure supply of electricity and more stable energy prices for consumers,” said Harald von Heyden, Head of Vattenfall Asset Optimisation and Trading.

The proposed interconnector would have a capacity of up to 2000 MW and could be in operation by 2020, say the partners. It would provide a strong link between Norway's hydropower resources and Scotland's renewable energy resources.

For Vattenfall, the link would provide an interconnection between its core market of Sweden and the UK, where the company is expanding its renewable energy portfolio. Vattenfall recently announced plans to open a London office to underpin its activities in the UK, which include the Thanet offshore wind farm and other major renewable energy projects.

Initial studies show that an interconnector would require a subsea cable of between 550 km and 700 km in length, with landing points in Norway and the UK. The NorthConnect partners will undertake commercial, technical and environmental assessments including engineering studies to identify the most suitable locations for converter stations.

“Increasing interconnection between networks is likely to be an important feature of the electricity industry in Europe as the drive to maximise supplies of secure, low carbon sources of energy increases over the next two decades,” said an Marchant, SSE's Chief Executive.

“Scotland and Norway have rich and diverse natural resources from which to produce large amounts of electricity, and an interconnector could allow the potential of those complementary resources to be fulfilled by meeting the needs of customers across north west Europe.”

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said, “The EU North Sea grid co-ordinator has recognised Scotland as a fine example of how a coherent renewables policy can be developed and made clear that connection to an integrated European grid is essential to ensuring our resources fully contribute to Europe's sustainable energy policy.

“For that we must achieve a connection across to Scandinavia and mainland Europe.”

Salmond said that the Scottish European Green Energy Centre is to contribute €50 000 to the project's route survey.




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