NGIL, a National Grid subsidiary, and Statnett have signed a contract to explore a high-voltage link that would run more than 900 kilometers across the North Sea. Parties are currently selecting best possible routes for the cable link as a pre-feasibility study concluded it is both economically beneficial and technologically feasible.

The power connection would allow two-way electricity flow between Norway and Great Britain to connect hydroelectricity, offshore wind farms, and oil/gas platforms in the North Sea. Britain seeks to expand their offshore wind capacity and interconnections like this would balance the grid and address wind power reliability challenges.

"A connection between Norway and Great Britain will be valuable for both countires. A future connection will facilitate generation of renewable energy, improve security of supply and contribute to value creation," said Auke Lont CEO at Statnett.