UK and Holland to build electricity link

National Grid and TenneT Holdings, the grid electricity operators in the UK and the Netherlands, respectively, have signed a joint venture agreement to build a 260km, 1,000MW electricity interconnector between the two countries.

The so-called BritNed link will involve investments of £410 million and is intended to enhance energy diversity and the security of energy supply to both the UK and the Netherlands. It will also provide greater opportunities for BritNed's customers to participate in European electricity markets.TenneT revealed that, once regulatory approval has been granted, construction of the interconnector is due to start in summer 2007. The underwater link is expected to be commissioned by late 2010.

German construction group Siemens has been awarded a contract to construct two high-voltage direct current converter stations at the Isle of Grain in Kent and Maasvlakte near Rotterdam. In addition, ABB has been awarded a subsea cable contract to construct the HDVC current cables that will be laid beneath the North Sea.