The NordLink cable system is now in operation and enables an efficient exchange of renewable energies between Norway and Germany. The project is a milestone for NKT and for connecting the European electricity grids, which are essential for the energy transition.
NKT has completed the German sector of the NordLink cable system between the German and Norwegian power grids. NKT’s 525 kV MI HVDC power cable system has been commissioned by owners TenneT, Statnett and KfW. For NKT, the turnkey project comprised the planning, manufacture and installation of a 154 km long sea and a 54 km long land cable system for the German sector of the link. With an output of 1,400 MW, the NordLink connection is a fundamental cornerstone for a networked and environmentally friendly Europe and can cover the electricity needs of 3.6 million German households.
– The further connection of power grids is essential for an efficient and environmentally friendly power supply and projects like NordLink are the key to a greener future. We are proud to continue driving the energy transition with our turnkey solutions and leading technologies, says Alexander Kara, President and CEO of NKT.
Interconnections such as Viking Link, NordLink and the German corridor projects are of fundamental importance in preparing the European energy infrastructure for the increased use of renewable energies. With NordLink, Norway can export its stable hydropower to help Germany meet its daily electricity needs by offsetting the natural fluctuations in German wind power production. For Norway, the NordLink connection enables the use of surpluses from German wind and solar energy.
– With NordLink, we have successfully completed a major international showcase project for the European energy transition and reliably integrated it into the electricity market. Based on a trustworthy partnership, we were able to deliver the “green cable” in the expected time frame, on the agreed budget and in the promised quality. As the world’s leading operator of high-voltage direct current connections, we will continue to contribute this know-how to the planning and development of further network expansion in order to drive the energy transition, says Tim Meyerjürgens, Chief Operational Officer at TenneT.
The NordLink cable system was manufactured in the Swedish NKT plant in Karlskrona, which is operated with 100% green electricity in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the cable system to a minimum. With the environment in focus, the installation of the submarine cable systems was carried out by NKT Victoria, the most energy-efficient cable laying ship in the industry.
At the beginning of 2021, the NordLink project was completed in accordance with the project plan and within the overall budget. NordLink was officially inaugurated on May 27, 2021 by TenneT, Statnett and KfW.
