Plans for first Scotland to Europe energy link move closer

The cable, which is designed to let electricity flow in both directions, is planned to run from Peterhead in north east Scotland for about 570kms to Norway’s coast at a point to be decided after talks with the country’s regulating bodies.

National Grid today (September 30) received plans, for what it is claimed could be the first power link between Scotland and Europe, from NorthConnect an interconnector development company jointly owned by E-CO Energi, Agder Energi (AE), Lyse, Vattenfall and SSE Interconnector Limited.

The last of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish and Southern Energy which will from next week be officially known simply as SSE.

In the initial application the group wants permission from the National Grid to connect directly to Scotland’s electricity network from the site in Peterhead.

NorthConnect chairman, Odd Oygarden, said: “NorthConnect is delighted to have submitted this grid application to National Grid.

“This marks a further milestone in the progress of developing this interconnector, we are sure there is a real requirement to more closely link the electricity markets of Scandinavia and Great Britain together as this will bring benefits in terms of security of supply, deployment of additional renewable generation and more efficient generation in both regions.

“The NorthConnect interconnector will play an important role in delivering these important benefits.”

NorthConnect, a Norwegian registered company, was set up in February by the five shareholders to look into the technical and economic viability of developing, building and operating a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC).

Luke Walsh