NKT patches up UK-Netherlands cross-border interconnector after power outage

Following a power outage, NKT, a Denmark-headquartered power cable manufacturer and installation player, has restored to working order a cross-border interconnector, which connects the electricity markets of the UK and the Netherlands via subsea cable.

The Danish firm has disclosed the completion of repair works for the BritNed interconnector within less than 20 days after a power outage, ensuring minimal downtime of the 450 kV high voltage direct current power cable between Great Britain and the Netherlands, which was inaugurated in April 2011.

This interconnector encompasses two cables bundled together with a total capacity of 1,000 MW. The length of the offshore cable is 250 kilometers, while the onshore section is 7 kilometers in the Netherlands and 2 kilometers in the UK.

According to the Danish company, an onshore repair of the BritNed power cable system was addressed “swiftly” by NKT and the BritNed repair team, as the fault was localized onshore in the Netherlands, enabling a quick return to service.

Stewart Whyte, Operations Director at BritNed as the operator of the interconnector, emphasized: “NKT’s prompt and professional response ensured that the interconnector was back in service quickly, minimising disruption to our operations. Their expertise and readiness were invaluable. Their commitment to the project and collaborative working style was key to the success of this return.”

Furthermore, NKT, which undertook the cut and seal operation of the broken cable and provided essential calculations and technical support to BritNed, explained that a new section of the mass-impregnated cable was installed and jointed.

The Danish firm claims that its ongoing service level agreement with BritNed played a significant role in the rapid mobilization of a repair team and reduced downtime of the interconnector, which connects the power grids between the Isle of Grain in Kent and Rotterdam.

Axel Barnekow-Widmark, EVP, Service & Installation at NKT, commented: “Our customers rely on us for our technical expertise and rapid response capabilities. We were able to mobilise quickly after being notified of the fault, deploying 12 jointers and site managers from Sweden.

“The efficient mobilisation and quick repair were enabled by a service level agreement and great cooperation with the involved parties The cable is now fully operational, delivering sustainable energy between Great Britain and the Netherlands.”

NKT has been busy with many assignments secured in 2024; however, the firm also worked on expanding its fleet as confirmed by the keel laying ceremony for the construction of its new cable-laying vessel (CLV), NKT Eleonora, two months after the first steel was cut for the same ship.