The 1,400 megawatt (MW) capacity NSL (North Sea Link) interconnector built for Statnett and National Grid, is the longest subsea link in the world. It is also the first interconnection between the UK and Norway. Using state-of-the-art HVDC Light® technology to connect energy markets in Norway and Britain brings several benefits such as:
- Increased reliability and security of electricity supply in both countries
- Enhanced opportunities to meet domestic/international renewable energy and climate change targets
- Added transmission capacity facilitating power trading and economic growth
The link will help evacuate power from the UK, when for instance, wind power generation is high there and electricity demand low, conserving water in Norway’s hydropower reservoirs. When demand is high in the UK and wind power generation is low, low-carbon energy can flow from Norway, helping to secure the UK's electricity supply. The link will also facilitate power trading and electricity price arbitrage between the countries.
As part of its project scope, Hitachi Energy has designed, engineered and supplied two 515-kilovolt (kV), 1,400-MW converter stations using HVDC Light® based on voltage sourced converter (VSC) technology, featuring several advanced capabilities to stabilize adjacent AC grids. A converter station is located at each end of the 720-kilometer long interconnector - one in Blyth, UK, and the other in Kvilldal, Norway.
| Main data | |
|---|---|
| Commissioning year: | 2021 |
| Configuration: | Bipole |
| Power transmitted: | 1400 MW |
| Direct voltage: | ±515 kV |
| Application: | Interconnecting grids |
