Intertek has helped to support National Grid and Statnett in the development of an infrastructure project linking the UK and Norwegian electricity networks. When constructed, it will be the world’s longest high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) undersea interconnector.
For the past four years, Intertek has acted as marine consultants for the two companies in the NSN project that culminated in successful UK marine consent for the venture in late 2014. National Grid and Statnett recently announced their final investment decision for developing the NSN, a 730-kilometre 1,400 MW power cable link between UK and Norway. The interconnector is planned to be completed by 2021. Once operational, it will supply nearly 750,000 homes in the UK with low-carbon electricity.
Intertek’s specialist technical services and marine planning advice for the NSN project included cable routing constraints and feasibility studies, route engineering, survey management,
NSN Link, a European Project of Common Interest (PCI), is a key infrastructure project linking the UK and Norwegian electricity networks, with two-way energy flow ensuring both security of supply and benefits for consumers. The marine route runs from Blyth in Northumberland, UK, to Kvilldal in Rogaland, Norway. At present, interconnectors provide electricity to the UK from France, Ireland and the Netherlands and National Grid is keen to construct more interconnectors in order to meet the growing demand for energy.
