NKT and BritNed have successfully repaired the 1GW BritNed interconnector, restoring its operations after a power outage. The repair, carried out on the 450 kV high-voltage DC power cable, was completed with minimal downtime, ensuring the continued flow of sustainable energy between Great Britain and the Netherlands.
The fault, which was localized onshore in the Netherlands, was quickly identified and addressed by NKT and the BritNed repair team. NKT performed a cut and seal operation on the damaged cable and provided the necessary technical calculations and support for the repair.
The team installed a new section of the mass impregnated cable, with the jointing completed in under 20 days following the detection of the fault.
Axel Barnekow-Widmark, EVP of 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.”
Stewart Whyte, Operations Director at BritNed, also praised the swift response, saying: “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.”
The BritNed interconnector, which connects the power grids of Great Britain and the Netherlands, is an important link for the exchange of renewable energy between the two countries. NKT's ongoing service level agreement with BritNed played a crucial role in minimizing the downtime of the interconnector.
