BritNed


BritNed is a 1,000 MW high-voltage direct-current submarine power cable between the Isle of Grain in Kent, the United Kingdom; and Maasvlakte in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The BritNed interconnector would serve as a link for the foreseeable European super grid project.

History

The project was announced in May 2007. The installation of the first section of cable link started on 11 September 2009, The entire cable was completed in October 2010. It began operation on 1 April 2011, and as of January 2012, electricity flow has mostly been from the Netherlands to the UK.

Technical description

The long bi-pole 450 kV interconnector consists of two HVDC cables, which are bundled together. The capacity of the cable is 1000 MW. The interconnector has two converter stations for connecting the link with the British and Dutch high-voltage electricity transmission systems. The cable was produced by ABB and laid by Global Marine Systems, while the BAM Nuttall/Siemens consortium was responsible for the construction and equipping of the converter stations. BritNed was completed on time and within the budget of €600 million.

Operators

The respective transmission system operators of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands - National Grid plc and TenneT; formed a joint venture to fund and operate the interconnection, independently from National Grid and TenneT's regulated businesses.

Coordinates

SiteCoordinates
Grain Static Inverter Plant
Maasvlakte Static Inverter Plant