NSL North Sea Link Norway-UK interconnector
North Sea, between Blyth (Northumberland, UK) and Kvilldal (Norway) · 2015–2021 (commercial operation October 2021) · N/A (estimated €1.6 billion, specific GBP value not readily available)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project represents a significant engineering achievement, connecting two distinct energy markets and enhancing energy security and renewable energy integration. - The interconnector provides increased security of power supply and socio-economic benefits for both countries. - The project highlights the complexities of cross-border energy infrastructure and the need for international collaboration.
Key engineering challenges
Laying the world's longest subsea interconnector cable (720 km) across the North Sea, including deep water sections and challenging seabed conditions. - Integrating the interconnector with both the UK and Norwegian electricity grids, which have different operational characteristics. - Managing the logistics and coordination of a massive international infrastructure project over six years.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- National Grid Ventures (UK) and Statnett (Norway)
- Lead contractor
- N/A (multiple contractors, e.g., Prysmian Group for cabling, Hitachi Energy for converter stations)
- Lead designers
- N/A
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 1.4 GW (1400 MW) capacity; 720 km HVDC subsea cable; world's longest subsea interconnector
- Disciplines
- electrical; civil; marine; geotechnical
- Standards & frameworks
- N/A
Sources: North Sea Link: https://www.northsealink.com/ - National Grid: https://www.nationalgrid.com/national-grid-ventures/interconnectors-connecting-cleaner-future/north-sea-link - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Sea_Link - The Engineer: https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/in-depth/power-sharing-building-the-worlds-longest-subsea-electricity-interconnector