The trial operation has been important to secure the quality and the performance of the interconnector.
During the year of trial operation 4,6 TWh was exported from Norway to the UK, while imports from the UK to Norway has totaled 1,1 TWh so far. For the first months the interconnector mostly exported electricity from Norway to the UK, but since May the flow direction have changed, with more import to Norway. Over the last three months export and import through the interconnector has been at equal levels.
Facing a winter of energy shortages across Europe, availability of exchange is important. In Southern Norway, the energy situation is pressed, with low filling levels in the hydro reservoirs, and imports are an important contribution to alleviating the situation. Over the last few months, Norwegian hydro producers have been saving the water in the reservoirs, and there has been import from surrounding countries and flow from other areas in Norway.
NSL is built and operated by Statnett and British energy company National Grid. The project consists of several engineering feats, including holding the title as the world's longest electricity interconnector, and is an important contribution to the energy transition in both countries.