Viking Link Hits a Roadblock

Denmark’s Energinet and the UK’s National Grid have postponed the final investment decision (FID) on the Viking Link interconnector project, which was initially scheduled to take place in March.

The project partners have chosen to push back FID until further clarity is achieved with respect to UK planning consents, which form the basis for the onshore and offshore construction work.

The delay will also impact the signing of cable and converter contracts, which were originally scheduled to be concluded in summer 2018.

Also, the commissioning of Viking Link, which has been targeted for the end of 2022, will be affected.

Energinet and National Grid are currently working on a revised schedule for FID, on the signing of the joint operational agreement and supply chain contracts, and on the subsequent construction phase of Viking Link. The partners expect that the revised schedule will be ready at the end of April.

The 1,400MW HVDC Viking Link will connect at Bicker Fen substation in Lincolnshire, the UK, and Revsing substation in southern Jutland, Denmark.

The interconnector is approximately 760 kilometres long, with the marine section covering around 635 kilometres.