The Norwegian grid operator Statnett announced that the UK and Norway have completed the laying of the world's longest submarine power cable, which will transmit wind and hydroelectric power between the two countries. The 720-kilometer North Sea Link-all but 4 kilometers underwater-connects Surdar in southwestern Scandinavia with Bryce near Newcastle.

The cable will transmit wind energy from the United Kingdom to Norway, and Norway will transmit hydroelectric power to the United Kingdom in return. Testing will begin on October 1, 2021.

It is estimated that the cost of the project is between 1.5 billion euros ($1.82 billion) and 2 billion euros. Statnett's project manager Thor Anders Numedal said: "When the wind and wind power in the UK are large, we Norwegians will be able to buy cheap electricity from the UK and keep the water in our dam reservoir. "When the British wind is not strong and the electricity demand is greater, they will be able to buy hydroelectric power from us. The capacity of the new cable is 1,400 MW.

On the evening of June 14, 2021, the coupling of the two parts constructed by the UK and Norway at the same time was carried out. There are technical challenges, including the need to build a special barge to run the cable under the Norwegian Lake, and to drill a 2.3 km long tunnel. "This is an important cooperation between the United Kingdom and Norway to make the most of our common renewable energy," said Nigel Williams, director of the British operator National Grid Project.

Keywords: foreign engineering news, new energy

The cable has surpassed the record set by Nordlink, which was completed in May 2021, connecting Norway and Germany, with a total length of 623 kilometers and a total length of 516 kilometers underwater. Britain is already connected with France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland, and is planning to establish further direct ties with mainland countries, including a 765 km connection with Denmark and an underwater extension of 621 km. Editor/XuNing、Design/WaXia