UK energy operator National Grid has begun construction on the Viking Link electricity interconnector project, the world’s longest electricity interconnector between the UK and Denmark, the company announced in a statement on Monday.
The €2-billion Viking Link project is a joint venture between National Grid Ventures, part of National Grid, and the Danish electricity system owner and operator, Energinet.
The 1.4-gigawatt high voltage, electricity interconnector will be the longest in the world when completed, stretching 765 kilometers subsea and onshore connecting Bicker Fen in Lincolnshire, in the UK to Revsing in South Jutland, Denmark so clean energy can be shared.
Once completed by the end of 2023, the subsea cable will have the capacity to supply renewable energy to power one and a half million UK homes. By 2030, 90% of electricity imported via National Grid’s interconnectors will be from zero-carbon sources.
The project will also play a vital role in helping decarbonize the UK’s power supply on the journey to a net zero-carbon energy system, the company said.
“It will enable access to a cleaner greener supply of electricity, which will make energy more secure and affordable for consumers,” Mike Elmer, Viking Link Project director for National Grid Ventures, was quoted as saying in the statement.
Siemens Energy was appointed for the construction of the UK and Denmark converter stations on both ends of the interconnector link. Work in the UK started in July to build a new access road to the site. The permanent road will take nine months to complete and will enable access for the major construction equipment to the converter station and for operational vehicles to access the site once the converter station is completed in 2023.
“This major construction project will put Lincolnshire firmly at the heart of our economic recovery. Not only will this scheme create local green-collar jobs across the county, but it will also bolster our energy security, reduce bills for consumers, and give our home-grown renewable generators a greater chance to export zero-carbon electricity around the world,” said Kwasi Kwarteng, the UK minister for Energy and Clean Growth.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr