World’s Longest 'Interconnector' to Supply Green Electricity to 1.4 Million UK Homes

Summary:

• The Viking Link interconnector, spanning over 600 miles, is the world's longest land and sea interconnector, connecting the UK and Denmark.
• Interconnectors enable the UK to import cheap green electricity during high demand and export excess energy to other countries when wind generation exceeds local needs.
• Interconnection is critical in the effort to decarbonize the electricity power system and reduce carbon emissions, contributing significantly to the UK's power output.
• The expansion of interconnectors is essential to secure energy supplies and advance climate goals, but it also highlights a degree of dependence on foreign power sources.
• Efforts to develop electrical storage solutions are necessary to overcome challenges posed by intermittent renewable energy sources and ensure a reliable energy backup.

The world's longest 'interconnector', known as the Viking Link, has been completed, providing green electricity to 1.4 million homes in the UK and enabling power exchange with Denmark. As the heat wave continues to wreak havoc in various countries, including Greece where a state of emergency has been declared, the importance of combating the climate crisis and reducing fossil fuel dependence becomes even more evident.

Interconnectors have become a crucial component in the quest to address climate change and transition to renewable energy sources. The recent completion of the UK's ninth interconnected cable to Denmark marks a significant milestone in this endeavor. These interconnected cables enable the UK to import cheap green electricity when local demand is high, and export excess electricity to countries where it is needed when the wind is blowing in abundance. One of the benefits of this international electric cabling is that it helps overcome the issue of intermittency. While wind energy is a valuable renewable resource, its generation is dependent on weather conditions. Having interconnectors allows countries to back up their energy supply and ensure a stable power system. The Viking Link interconnector spans over 600 miles across the seabed, making it the longest land and sea interconnector in the world. Its significance lies in providing a means to exchange electricity between countries, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner energy solutions. It is part of the broader effort to decarbonize the electricity power system and reduce carbon emissions. In the UK, the contribution of interconnectors to the power output has surged from nearly zero to 40% since 2010. Currently, there are cables connecting the UK grid to countries such as France, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway, further enhancing energy exchange and cooperation. While interconnectors offer numerous advantages in terms of energy security and environmental benefits, they also highlight a degree of dependence on foreign power sources. To ensure a stable energy supply, it becomes crucial to maintain trust and collaboration with partner countries. The Viking Link interconnector serves as a symbol of hope for a greener future, but it also underscores the need for continued efforts to develop electrical storage solutions that can effectively store low-carbon electricity for extended periods. Achieving this would mitigate the challenges posed by intermittent renewable energy sources and provide a reliable backup. As the world moves towards a future with increased electricity demand, the expansion of interconnectors, as proposed by Ofgem, is seen as an essential step in securing energy supplies and advancing climate goals. By 2030, the aim is to double the capacity of interconnectors, paving the way for a more interconnected and sustainable energy landscape.

The completion of the Viking Link interconnector marks a significant achievement in the global pursuit of renewable energy and climate change mitigation. As it facilitates the exchange of green electricity between the UK and Denmark, it offers hope for a greener, more sustainable future. However, it also reminds us of the ongoing challenges in our journey towards a low-carbon world. With continued investments in interconnectors, electrical storage solutions, and renewable energy technologies, we can strive towards a future where clean energy powers our homes and industries, reducing our impact on the planet and fostering international cooperation in the fight against climate change.