Potential capacity reduction on cables to the Continent this winter
Written by
Gunnar Romsaas
(12/19/2008)
Due to concerns for operational reliability in South Norway Statnett may reduce export capacity in certain periods this winter. Capacity to Denmark may be reduced by up to 250 MW and capacity to the Netherlands by up to 150 MW.
The restrictions to the export capacity are due to a combination of factors such as greater consumption in the winter, bottlenecks in the grid on the southern tip of Norway, lacking production capacity in this area and a great desire to export as a result of the price difference between Denmark/Netherlands and Norway.
Restrictions will vary depending on consumption and any special conditions prevailing at the production plants on the South coast of Norway. Temperature impacts on consumption and will also be a determining factor in how great the reduction will be. The trading capacity is likely to come down to 750 MW at Skagerrak (normally 1000) and 550 MW at NorNed (normally 700).
Restrictions may take place between 07.00 and 19.00 on working days, until 1 March 2009. Export restrictions come into effect from Friday 12 December, with a reduction of 100 MW on each connection. In the current situation, the elspot area in the South of Norway will not remedy the export bottlenecks as there is insufficient energy production (effect) south of the bottlenecks.
