Transmission system operators Statnett and TenneT have started building the NordLink power interconnection between Norway and Germany. The 623 km long (516 km subsea), high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC), line will connect Wilster (Germany) and Tonstad (Norway) and will have a capacity of 1,400 MW. The line is to come on stream in 2020.
The NordLink will contribute to increase the power exchange of renewable energy by connecting two complementary countries with large renewable energy in their power mix: wind and solar power in German, and hydropower in Norway. Germany is expected to import surplus of hydropower in Norway, while Germany would supply electricity generated from wind and solar, especially during dry and cold seasons. The Norwegian water reservoirs essentially function as “energy reservoirs”: the water inside them is retained when energy is imported from Germany. In turn, they can come into play during peak consumption periods in Germany, and when there is little production from solar and wind power plants. Then Norwegian hydropower is transported to Germany.
The project shareholder are Statnett (50%), TenneT (25%) and the German bank KfW (25%).