Name of the Project
Viking Link.

Location
The project will stretch between the UK and Denmark.

Project Owner/s
The interconnector is being jointly developed by National Grid Ventures (UK) and Energinet (Denmark) through National Grid Viking Link and Energinet Eltransmission.

Project Description
The 760-km-long Viking Link will be one of the world’s longest direct current electricity interconnectors.

The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link will allow for the exchange of electricity of up to 1 400 MW to provide increased power-supply reliability and security for consumers in the UK and Denmark. By allowing for transmission to flow in both directions, Viking Link will support the integration of renewable-energy sources into the power grid. The project will involve the construction of a converter station in each country, submarine and underground cables between each converter station, as well as underground cables between the converter station and substation in each country.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
Viking Link is scheduled to begin commercial operation at the end of 2023.

Latest Developments
Siemens has been awarded a €1.1-billion contract to deliver two converter stations for the first HVDC link between the UK and Denmark. Siemens will be responsible for the overall system design, supply, installation and commissioning of the converter stations.

The order comprises a 1 400 MW converter system for direct current voltage of about 525 kV using HVDC Plus technology. The two converter stations – one in Bicker Fen, in Lincolnshire, in the UK, the other in Revising, in southern Jutland, Denmark – will be linked by a 767-km-long direct current power cable passing through the North Sea.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Siemens (converter stations).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
National Grid Viking Link and Energinet Eltransmission, email vikinglink@energinet.dk.