Viking Link: The 400 Mile Underwater Clean Electricity Inter-Connector Between the UK & Denmark
When the Vikings began arriving on British shores in the 8th Century, their arrival was less than friendly. Now a more amicable relationship is about to begin between the two former rivals. Introducing the Viking Link; a 475 mile long underwater inter-connector cable between Denmark and the UK. The cable will allow electricity from clean power sources to travel between the two countries. The cable will be the world’s longest electricity inter-connector when finished.
Denmark and the UK Share Green Energy
The Viking Link inter-connector link will transport power from Denmark’s wind farms to the UK. Inter-connector cables are the physical cables used to move electricity between countries. The Viking link cable will be used to transfer electricity from green sources such as wind farms. The power lines will be laid under the North Sea and stretch between Lincolnshire, England and Revsing in Denmark.
Dubbed the Viking Link for obvious reasons, laying the new cable is set to cost around £1.8 billion. The project has just been launched and is due for completion in 2023, according to Sky News. Initially the project is expected to provide cheaper electricity for both British consumers and their Danish counterparts.
Countries all around the world are cutting emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels. As Global warming increases, nations are looking for less pollutant alternatives. As a result, green, or clean energy has come to the forefront. Denmark is a world leader in this, with nearly half of Denmark’s electricity now coming from its wind farms. Consequently, the new cable will give the UK access to Denmark’s massive green energy resources.
The North Sea Connection
As can be seen from the above image the inter-connector cables are a feat of engineering! A thick rubber casing houses three separate copper wire cables. In addition there are three thinner cables running through it as well. Metal studs line the inside of the rubber casing to provide extra strength and protection.
In a world that is moving to green energy sources, the Viking Link inter-connector cable is welcome news. German industrial conglomerate Siemens Energy has broken ground on an access road for the converter station on the British side. Running underneath the North Sea, the cable will connect to Britain at Bicker Fern, in Lincolnshire. After that, on the Danish side it will come onshore at Revsing in South Jutland, Denmark.
In conclusion, its great to see countries collaborating to offset carbon emissions. Most importantly, – long may it continue.
