NKT to upgrade important high-voltage cable link between Denmark and Sweden

NKT has won the turn-key order to replace the high-voltage AC interconnector system between Denmark and Sweden. The order was won in a consortium with VBMS B.V. and consists of design, production and installation of four 400 kV high-voltage power cables as well as removal of the old system.

The interconnector system across the sea of Öresund ensuring efficient power transmission between Denmark and Sweden needs to be replaced as the original cables were installed in 1973. NKT has won the turn-key order for the new 400 kV high-voltage (alternate current) cable system in a consortium with VBMS B.V. (now Boskalis). The power link is owned by the Swedish national grid operator Svenska kraftnät and plays an important role in maintaining the high transmission security of the two countries.

– Interconnectors between countries are essential to ensure an efficient energy distribution across the continent and we are always happy to take part in the development and maintenance of the power grids. We are pleased to be selected for the project replacing the Öresund connection and are looking forward to continuing the close relationship with Svenska kraftnät and Energinet. With this order we continue to maintain market traction and underlining our strong position in the high-voltage market, says Andreas Berthou, Executive Vice President and Head of high-voltage solutions in NKT.

The 36 km of 400 kV HVAC extruded power cables are to be manufactured at the NKT factory in Karlskrona, Sweden, in 2019 and the project is expected to be completed in 2020. NKT will handle the cable design, manufacturing and the onshore installation, and Boskalis will retrieve and recycle the old oil-filled cables and do the offshore part of the cable installation.

The announcement of the award of the Öresund connection is the latest from NKT that recently also announced the high-voltage cable orders for the UK offshore wind farms Hornsea 2 and Triton Knoll as well as for the oil platform Johan Sverdrup 2 in Norway.

For NKT, the order value of the Öresund connection is approx. EUR 22m corresponding to approx. EUR 20m in standard metal prices.