Formal Launch of UK-Denmark 1.4-GW Viking Link Interconnector

The 1.4-GW Viking Link, the UK’s first connection with the Danish energy grid, has formally been launched today by National Grid Plc.

The 475-mile (764.5-km)-long cable running from Lincolnshire to southern Jutland in Denmark is described as the world’s longest land and subsea interconnector. It is National Grid’s sixth interconnector and the UK’s ninth.

The GBP-1.8-billion (USD 2.2bn/EUR 2.1bn) project provides a link to renewable energy-rich Denmark and will help both countries achieve net zero carbon emissions, National Grid said.

“Physical connections to other countries are central to the international collaboration that sits at the heart of the energy transition we are undergoing. Our existing fleet, Viking Link and our planned Nautilus and LionLink projects [to Belgium and the Netherlands] will act as the cornerstone for North Sea nations to make the most of up to 300 GW of offshore wind generation, delivering low-cost renewable energy to consumers with the least impact on coastal communities,” commented National Grid chief executive John Pettigrew.

Viking Link was switched on at the end of 2023. Since it started initial operations, it has transported 1,733 GWh of power between the two countries, according to the announcement. Viking Link is estimated to deliver GBP 5.2 billion in consumer benefit over 25 years.