UK and Norwegian companies agreed yesterday to continue work on a project to link up their electricity grids by 2020 with what would be the world’s longest subsea power cable.
National Grid and Norwegian counterpart Statnett said the link would contribute to further integration of north European power markets and encourage the supply and consumption of energy generated from renewable sources, helping countries to reach 2020 EU targets.
The two firms will continue to co-operate on the two-way 1,400-megawatt power link, but they are not likely to make an investment decision until next year for a project expected to cost at least £1.3billion.
A joint statement said: “We are now ready to submit the interconnector licence application to the Norwegian ministry of petroleum and energy.”
The UK already imports about 40% of its gas from Norway through North Sea pipelines.
Meanwhile a new electricity grid research centre will explore how technology can shape the low-carbon power sector.
The Power Networks Demonstration Centre at Cumbernauld, was officially opened by First Minister Alex Salmond. The £12.5million facility has a mini electricity grid system to be used to research and develop technology.
The joint venture between Strathclyde University, Scottish Power, SSE, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council is part of the Scottish Smart Grid Strategy aimed at making Scotland a leading provider of technology that makes the distribution of electricity more efficient.
Recommended for you
