- Prysmian Group has announced it successfully installed the HV testing activities on the world’s longest onshore and offshore high voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector. The North Sea Link strategic submarine power cable system connects converter stations in Kvilldal in Norway and Blyth in the UK.
The North Sea Link – featuring the longest HVDC subsea cable link ever installed – enables the exchange of energy between Norway and the UK and increases security of the electricity supply for both countries. As an essential part of Europe’s grid reinforcement strategy, it aims to reduce electricity prices, provide cleaner energy, and compensate for UK plants being decommissioned.
Image credit: North Sea Link
Around 870 miles of submarine and land power cables for the Viking Link Interconnector span from the UK to Denmark. The HVDC interconnector will operate at ±525 kV DC and will allow up to 1,400 MW of power to be transferred between the two countries passing through UK, Dutch, German and Danish waters, using single-core, mass-impregnated paper-insulated cables.
Viking Link project director Phil Sandy said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed the final cable test. “This means the cable is ready to operate once the commissioning process is complete. This is a key milestone in the project and marks the end of the cable installation process.”
The joint venture between National Grid and Energinet and it is due to be operational by the end of 2023.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
