popular articles

NorthConnect: Norway rejects project with Scotland

Norway has decided to terminate the electricity interconnection project with Scotland to focus on domestic electricity supply. The decision was motivated by the need to meet the country's energy needs at competitive prices.

Please share:

NorthConnect was rejected by the Norwegian government. The main reason for rejecting this marine interconnection is national energy autonomy. Indeed, Norway wants to ensure an electricity system that can meet the basic objectives of electricity supply at competitive prices. Norway is rich in fossil fuels and renewables, but the country has seen a spike in electricity bills this winter, in part due to soaring prices in Europe.

The NorthConnect project in a few words

Carried by three Norwegian municipal companies and the Swedish public group Vattenfall, the NorthConnect project was to allow the two countries to exchange their renewable energies (wind for Scotland and hydro for Norway) via a 665 km undersea cable with a capacity of 1,400 MW. However, Minister of Higher Education Ola Borten Moe said the government does not want to pave the way for additional energy exports.

Norway’s position on electricity interconnections

Norway is already connected to several other countries (United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Finland) by electrical interconnections with a total capacity of about 9,000 MW. Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, the country is strongly integrated into the European market, including electricity, through its membership of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Why was the NorthConnect project rejected?

In January, the Norwegian government presented measures to reduce its exports in the event of a sharp drop in its hydroelectric reservoirs, a decision that was scrutinized by the European regulator of the sector. Norway’s state-owned power system operator Statnett also announced on Thursday a reduction in the technical capacity for exporting electricity from the North Sea Link cable linking the country to the UK, bringing it in line with the export cap on the UK side.

In conclusion, Norway has made a decision to preserve its national energy autonomy by rejecting the NorthConnect project. Norway wants to use its energy to build its industry and maintain competitive prices on the domestic market.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

US energy companies reduced the number of active rigs for the fifth consecutive week, reaching their lowest level since November 2021, according to data published by Baker Hughes.
The 102 MW wind project in Québec secures structured loans from Canadian banks, marking a new stage for the joint venture between Innergex and the Mi'gmaq communities.
The 102 MW wind project in Québec secures structured loans from Canadian banks, marking a new stage for the joint venture between Innergex and the Mi'gmaq communities.
Sempra Infrastructure has received approval from U.S. authorities to export 13.5 Mtpa of liquefied natural gas to countries without free trade agreements, marking a key step in developing the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 terminal.
Sempra Infrastructure has received approval from U.S. authorities to export 13.5 Mtpa of liquefied natural gas to countries without free trade agreements, marking a key step in developing the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 terminal.
Canadian company enCore Energy has received regulatory approval to extend its radioactive materials licence to the Upper Spring Creek project, initiating the construction of new ISR facilities near its Rosita site.
Canadian company enCore Energy has received regulatory approval to extend its radioactive materials licence to the Upper Spring Creek project, initiating the construction of new ISR facilities near its Rosita site.
EOG Resources finalises a $5.6bn acquisition of 675,000 net acres from Encino Acquisition Partners, consolidating its strategic position in the Utica formation and increasing its dividend by 5 %.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.
The US Department of Energy has cancelled 24 projects funded under the Biden administration, citing their lack of profitability and alignment with national energy priorities.
In the United States, the carbon black market faces unprecedented fluctuations in the first half of 2025, driven by declining industrial demand and persistent raw material volatility, casting doubts over the sector's future stability.
In the United States, the carbon black market faces unprecedented fluctuations in the first half of 2025, driven by declining industrial demand and persistent raw material volatility, casting doubts over the sector's future stability.
In May 2025, natural gas demand for electricity generation in the United States declined, influenced by cooler weather conditions and a significant increase in solar generation.
In May 2025, natural gas demand for electricity generation in the United States declined, influenced by cooler weather conditions and a significant increase in solar generation.
Waga Energy has commissioned a biomethane facility in British Columbia, in partnership with FortisBC and Capital Regional District, marking the first unit of its kind on Vancouver Island.
The Norwegian group has been named preferred bidder for a 492 MWh storage project under South Africa’s public BESIPPPP programme.
The Norwegian group has been named preferred bidder for a 492 MWh storage project under South Africa’s public BESIPPPP programme.
Aker Solutions will deliver the steel structure for an HVDC converter station for the offshore BalWin2 project developed by Amprion Offshore, under a contract valued at up to NOK2.5bn ($228mn).
Aker Solutions will deliver the steel structure for an HVDC converter station for the offshore BalWin2 project developed by Amprion Offshore, under a contract valued at up to NOK2.5bn ($228mn).
Syria has signed a $7bn agreement with a consortium of companies from Qatar, Turkey and the United States to rebuild its national power sector.
Syria has signed a $7bn agreement with a consortium of companies from Qatar, Turkey and the United States to rebuild its national power sector.
European and UK carbon markets paused this week as participants await clarity on future integration of both emissions trading systems.
The Swedish government will implement new disclosure rules for foreign vessels, specifically targeting tankers linked to Russia’s hard-to-trace oil fleet.
The Swedish government will implement new disclosure rules for foreign vessels, specifically targeting tankers linked to Russia’s hard-to-trace oil fleet.
The International Atomic Energy Agency revealed that Iran conducted undeclared nuclear activities at three sites, which could lead to a non-compliance resolution by mid-June.
The International Atomic Energy Agency revealed that Iran conducted undeclared nuclear activities at three sites, which could lead to a non-compliance resolution by mid-June.
Chinese supplier Arctech will equip a green hydrogen project in Duqm with 175 MWp of solar trackers, marking a milestone in the industrial energy development of Oman’s coastal region.
Chinese supplier Arctech will equip a green hydrogen project in Duqm with 175 MWp of solar trackers, marking a milestone in the industrial energy development of Oman’s coastal region.
With 80% of its projects still in early stages, Australia struggles to realise its hydrogen ambitions, according to Wood Mackenzie, which warns of lost competitiveness against Europe and the Middle East.
Singa Renewables receives Singaporean approval to import Indonesian solar electricity, marking a strategic step forward in a regional project led by TotalEnergies and RGE.
Singa Renewables receives Singaporean approval to import Indonesian solar electricity, marking a strategic step forward in a regional project led by TotalEnergies and RGE.
Indian manufacturer Waaree has signed a $176mn solar module supply agreement with a US-based independent power producer, marking a key step in its industrial presence in the United States.
Indian manufacturer Waaree has signed a $176mn solar module supply agreement with a US-based independent power producer, marking a key step in its industrial presence in the United States.
The agreement signed in Seoul between REPT BATTERO and Hyosung Heavy Industries provides for the supply of 2.5GWh of energy storage systems aimed at strengthening their joint position in the global market.
The agreement signed in Seoul between REPT BATTERO and Hyosung Heavy Industries provides for the supply of 2.5GWh of energy storage systems aimed at strengthening their joint position in the global market.
RIC Energy and Siemens have signed an agreement to develop industrial projects in Spain focused on renewable hydrogen, green ammonia and e-fuels, including technical solutions and financing mechanisms.
Verdagy will supply hydrogen to Mainspring Energy to power a linear plant in Moss Landing, with operations expected to begin by summer 2025.
Verdagy will supply hydrogen to Mainspring Energy to power a linear plant in Moss Landing, with operations expected to begin by summer 2025.
Solveo Energies has inaugurated an experimental agrivoltaic system in the Pyrénées-Orientales, combining solar power production and crop protection on a farm facing drought conditions.
Solveo Energies has inaugurated an experimental agrivoltaic system in the Pyrénées-Orientales, combining solar power production and crop protection on a farm facing drought conditions.
European Energy has begun commercial e-methanol production in Denmark and reported an EBITDA of €45.9mn, while accelerating its international expansion, particularly in Australia.
European Energy has begun commercial e-methanol production in Denmark and reported an EBITDA of €45.9mn, while accelerating its international expansion, particularly in Australia.

Advertising