Nord Pool Spot has received the following information from Statnett:
During the winter 2008/2009, the transmission capacity at NorNed and Skagerrak was reduced for security reasons in periods with cold weather conditions. Combination of high consumption and large export at the HVDC-links caused congestions in the Norwegian grid close to the southern coast. During the summer 2009, thermal limits on transmission lines close to the southern coast, forced the system operator in a similar manner to reduce the export transmission capacity at the HVDC-links for system security reasons.
21 August 2009 the new 420 kV line between Holen and Skåreheia (Kristiansand) was put into operation. The reinforcement has strengthened the security of supply in the southern part of Norway. Statnett does now not foresee any reduction of transmission capacity between Norway and Denmark (DK1) and between Norway and the Netherlands when the grid is complete (without any outages). The only exception may occur in situations with very high outdoor temperature in Kristiansand, where thermal limits at the Skagerrak-connection may cause some small reductions in the available transmission capacity at Skagerrak. In situations with outages in the grid in the southern part of Norway, the transmission capacity may still be reduced for security reasons.
Lysaker, 3 September 2009
For further information, please contact Statnett:
Tom Tellefsen, department manager, National control center, phone +47 2252 7443
Ina Wiese-Hansen, senior engineer, National control center, phone +47 2252 7352