NorthConnect confirmed on 10 February that it has issued an invitation to tender (ITT) for the enabling works package at the Fourfields site near Peterhead. The works will need to prepare the area for the arrival of the converter station construction and cable laying teams.
NorthConnect is a proposed 650-kilometre 1,400MW HVDC interconnector over the floor of the North Sea. It will enable transfer of excess wind power to Norway in the winter, while also enabling Norway to export hydropower to Scotland in the summer.
NorthConnect is currently awaiting the outcome of the hearing process in Norway, which has seen the report issued by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate at the end of 2018 issued for public consultation. The hearing process is due to conclude in March, after which the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy will make a recommendation.