National Grid, the British transmission system operator, is proposing to launch a 1.8 GW high voltage direct current for offshore wind projects. The new power cable will link Norway and the UK. The “continental link” may connect 3.6 GW of offshore wind projects and deliver electricity for 1.8 million households in the UK.
The European Commission has set goals for 60 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050. The setting up of the cable link is seen to be in line with this target. Several offshore wind farms are being planned for the North Sea in the UK. Meanwhile, Norway is now tendering its first offshore wind capacity.
The National Grid previously collaborated with TenneT, a Dutch transmission system operator, to investigate the viability of transferring power generated by offshore wind turbines using undersea electrical cables.
