Siemens has been awarded a contract to deliver two converter stations for the first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between the UK and Denmark.
Viking Link will enable the exchange of up to 1400MW of electricity to provide increased power-supply reliability and security to consumers in both countries, and will support the integration of renewable energy.
The interconnector is being jointly developed by UK-based National Grid Ventures and Energinetin Denmark via the company, National Grid Viking Link Ltd. and Energinet Eltransmission.
The interconnector will begin commercial operation at the end of 2023.
The two converter stations, one in Bicker Fen in Lincolnshire, in the UK, and the other in Revising in southern Jutland, in Denmark, will be linked by a 767km DC power cable passing through the North Sea.
Viking Link will be one of the world’s longest DC electricity interconnectors.
Siemens will be responsible for the overall system design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the converter stations.
Siemens Gas and Power EPC projects chief executive Tim Dawidowsky said: “We’re extremely pleased that, with every new interconnection, Siemens is advancing the development of an integrated European energy market.
“With Viking Link, we’ll be working on another landmark HVDC project that is paving the way to a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy supply.”
The converter stations will combine the advantages of HVDC transmission with extra benefits like AC voltage control, black-start capability, and other functions that improve the performance and network stability of both connected AC networks.
Viking Link will transmit surplus energy to wherever the level of demand is higher.
Because periods of high wind-energy production and high demand are unlikely to occur simultaneously in both the UK and Denmark, the interconnector will result in lower prices in peak consumption periods and enables a more effective use of renewable energy.
Viking Link will give consumers in both countries access to a broader energy mix.
Viking Link has been designated as one of the European Commission’s Projects of Common Interest.