Three international companies were given approval to construct the world's longest subsea power interconnection to link U.K. and Norwegian grids, U.K.’s National Grid announced Tuesday.
The U.K.’s National Grid and Norwegian power grid operator Statnett placed the order to construct the 730 kilometer-long link which is expected to enter commercial operation by 2021.
Italian cable supplier Prysmian, French cable supplier Nexans and power technology company ABB will undertake the 1,400 megawatt project, awarded to them by U.K. and Norway's grid operators.
The project is estimated to cost around $1.65 to $2.2 billion, which will be allocated to the three companies in the construction of the project.
The contract awarded to Prysmian, worth around $608 million, involves the turn-key supply and installation of a total of sea and land cables covering the route length.
ABB, with a contract worth $450 million, will supply high-voltage direct current converter stations at both ends of the link, said ABB's press release.
French Nexans was awarded a contract worth about $376 million and is planned to design, manufacture and install the major cable section on the Norwegian side, Nexans' press release said.
The project is expected to increase security of power supply for both countries and support the integration of more renewable wind and hydroelectric power into their networks.
The project will allow mutual power sharing between the U.K. and Norway.
When wind power production in the U.K. is high, Norway will be able to import power at a lower price than in the Nordic market, helping to conserve the water in the country’s hydropower reservoirs. At times when there is little wind in the U.K., then the U.K. can import Norwegian hydropower at a lower price, while helping to ensure security of power supplies.
By Zeynep Beyza Karabay
Anadolu Agency
zeynep.karabay@aa.com.tr