World’s longest under-sea power cables begins bringing hydropower from Norway to UK

October 26, 2021

The world’s longest subsea electricity cable, designed to carry hydropower from Norway to the United Kingdom, has officially begun operation.

Known as the North Sea Link, the 450-mile interconnector has the capacity to deliver up to 1,400 megawatts of renewable energy—enough to supply around 1.4 million UK households.

The £1.4 billion project, developed over six years as a collaboration between the UK and Norway’s grid operator Statnett, connects Blyth in Northumberland with Kvilldal in western Norway’s Suldal region.

Because the majority of Norway’s electricity is generated by hydro, the interconnector is expected to play a key role in the UK’s transition to net-zero by 2050. According to National Grid, the link could cut fossil fuel consumption and prevent up to 23 million tonnes of carbon emissions by the end of this decade. By 2030, it predicts that 90% of imported electricity through its interconnectors will come from carbon-free sources.

Cordi O’Hara, president of National Grid Ventures, described the launch as both a milestone in decarbonising Britain’s power system and a major engineering achievement: “North Sea Link is extraordinary—we had to build through mountains, fjords, and under the sea to complete it.”

This is the UK’s fifth electricity interconnector, adding to existing links with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Hilde Tonne, Statnett’s chief executive, emphasised that cross-border energy sharing is essential for achieving climate goals: “North Sea Link helps bring the energy systems on both sides of the North Sea closer to a sustainable future.”

UK Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change Greg Hands added that the initiative not only strengthens the partnership with Norway but also demonstrates the importance of global cooperation: “As we head into COP26, this project shows how collaboration can deliver clean, renewable power for millions of British homes while advancing our net-zero commitments.”