Nordlink interconnector project, Germany and Norway

1st May 2015 By: Sheila Barradas - Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

Nordlink interconnector project, Germany and Norway

Name and Location
Nordlink interconnector project, Germany and Norway.

Client
The project is a 50:50 joint venture between Norwegian company Statnett and DC Nordseekabel. TenneT TSO and German promotional bank KfW each have shares of 50% in DC Nordseekabel. DC Nordseekabel is responsible for the construction of the German part of the project, including permits.

Project Description
The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector will have a capacity of 1 400 MW and will be installed between Tonstad, in Sirdal, Norway, and Wilster, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

The project will connect the Norwegian and German electricity markets to exchange green energy. Surplus wind and solar power produced in Germany could be exported to Norway.

Conversely, hydroelectric power from Norway will be able to be exported to Germany.

The interconnector consists of a 516 km subsea cable route. A 55 km dc land cable route will be built in Germany.

Value
The estimated cost of the project is €1.5-billion to €2 billion.

Duration
The NordLink project is scheduled for commissioning and trial operation in the fourth quarter of 2019.

After the trial period, the interconnector will go into commercial operation in 2020.

Latest Developments
The tender process has been concluded and contractors have been informed about the outcome.

Nexans Norway has been awarded the contract for the HVDC cable in the Norwegian and the Danish sectors.

ABB AB has been awarded the contract for the HVDC cable in the German sector and the contract for the converter stations in Germany and Norway.

Lead insurer for the project will be Codan.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Nexans Norway (HVDC cable – Norway and Denmark); ABB AB (HVDC cable – Germany, and converter station in Norway and Germany); and Codan (lead insurer).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Statnett communications manager Christer Gilje, cell +47 95237128 or email christer.gilje@statnett.no.
DC Nordseekabel, tel +49 921 507400.
Nexans Norway press relations, Angéline Afanoukoe, tel + 33 1 73 23 84 12 or email Angeline.afanoukoe@nexans.com.
ABB head of business media relations and public affairs Thomas Schmidt, tel +41 43 317 6568 or email media.relations@ch.abb.com.