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You can transmit a lot of power long distances with HVDC systems. 2GW systems are in development (TenneT 2GW platform & 525kV DC cables) & HVDC interconnectors can be several hindered km long…


But it’s expensive and takes a long time. The U.K. isn’t building enough quickly enough to take benefit of production in the north.

Maybe if variable prices encourages energy intensive demand to shift to Scotland that will help, but that’s not quick either.


No power infrastructure is either quick or cheap. I would think a subsea interconnector would be quicker to build than an offshore windfarm (as there are fewer components - no turbines or structures, and even fewer cables!)

The UK is leading the world in grid interconnection and offshore wind build out (though all owned by none UK entities), so if they aren’t building quickly enough I don’t know anyone who is….


The North Sea Link between Norway and the UK is already up and running and has a capacity of 1.4 GW. It is currently (10:53 UTC) supplying 3% of the UK load.

See https://gridwatch.templar.co.uk/




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