Statnett is now consulting with a large number of local, regional and national authorities, as well as voluntary organisations, concerning the proposed project. The proposed cable is a 130-kilometres sea cable with a 600 MW capacity. It has an estimated cost of NOK 3 billion divided between Statnett and Energinet.dk, the Danish TSO. The cable can be ready in 2014.

Planned between Tjele, Denmark, and Kristiansand, Norway

Like the three existing cables between Norway and Denmark, the Skagerrak 4 cable is planned between Tjele in Denmark and Kristiansand transformer station near Vennesla, in southern Norway. Following initial discussions with local authorities and others, Statnett has proposed two alternative routes. The main route enters Norway via Kristiansand and then up the river Otra. The second alternative enters land through Ålefjærfjorden, bypassing Kjevik airport. The last part to Kristiansand transformer station will in both alternatives be built as overhead line.

Reduced CO2 emissions

The cable will be valuable as a result of the combination of Norwegian water power and Danish wind power. The new cable to Denmark will increase the security of electricity in Norway in years with little rainfall, while the flexibility in Norwegian power production will make it possible for Denmark to develop more wind power and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Skagerrak 4 will also contribute to increase the value of Norwegian hydroelectricity. The increased value will be partly due to exports of excess electricity.

The cable is planned as a part of the Norwegian and Danish central power grids. This means that profits will reduce the central net tariff.