Written by David Proctor
Plans for a giant energy cable linking the north-east with Scandinavia
could be given the go ahead this week.
The North Connect Project will link Peterhead to Norway with a 415-mile
cable, and it is hoped the move can boost the renewable markets in Scotland
and Europe.
The link will have a capacity of 1400MW and will go under the North Sea
from Simadalen in Norway to a site near Boddam.
Local authority planning officials have earmarked the development for
approval and Aberdeenshire Council will discuss the proposals when they
meet at Woodhill House on Thursday.
It has already received backing from the Buchan area committee and
councillors will be told this week about what the project involves.
An underground cable would stretch from a landfall point at Longhaven to a
previously approve interconnector station near to Stirlinghill Quarry.
In a report , the council’s infrastructure chief Stephen Archer said the
huge connection would be able to transmit electricity either way across the
sea.
He said: “The interconnector will allow renewable electricity to be
transmitted in either direction across the North Sea.
“The cable proposed under this application would effectively connect the
approved interconnector station to an offshore transmission cable – under
consideration by Marine Scotland at the time of writing – which in turn
would connect to similar infrastructure in Norway.”
Councillors will also be told that the North Connect project reflects
targets set out by both the Scottish Government and European Commission.
Mr Archer said: “The interconnector will allow energy to be shared between
Scotland and Norway, meaning hydro power from Norway can be transferred to
Scotland when local renewable sources such as wind power cannot meet
demand, and vice versa for periods where Norwegian sources are struggling.
“This ensures security of supply whilst using renewable sources which helps
meet the aims and targets.”
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