Planning Consent Submitted

Statnett, together with Energinet, expects to submit a formal concession application (konsesjonssøknad) to the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) for the reinvestment of the Skagerrak 1 and 2 HVDC interconnector cables between Norway and Denmark earliest by the end of 2026. The application will follow the impact assessments required by the investigation programme (utredningsprogram) NVE issued to Statnett in April 2025, which specifies the studies needed before licensing can proceed (with particular focus on socio-economic analysis and the zero-alternative of not reinvesting). Per Statnett project manager Steinar Lindseth Bygdås, the decision on whether to submit an application will only be taken after the investigations are completed; NVE will then conduct a further public hearing on the application and submit its recommendation to the Norwegian Ministry of Energy (Energidepartementet), which makes the final reinvestment decision. The reinvestment would replace the ageing 1976-77 cables and converter installations between Kristiansand (NO) and Tjele (DK), affecting Agder county (Kristiansand, Vennesla, Birkenes and Lillesand). Reinvestment budget reported at NOK 10-16 billion subject to PlanNett quarterly updates.