Ofoten-Balsfjord

New 420 kV power line.

The new power line is necessary to ensure security of supply in all of northern Norway north of Ofoten. The power line will promote increased value creation in the region and contribute to the realisation of development of new renewable energy.

Project news

  • Statnett demolishing old power lines

    The major upgrade of the Norwegian main grid not only entails constructing new pylons and power lines. Installations that are no longer needed are now being removed in a number of places.

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  • New 420 kV from Ofoten to Balsfjord now operational

    The section from Kvandal to Bardufoss became operational today. This means that the entire power line, from Ofoten to Balsfjord, is complete and operational at 420 kV.

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  • Contract awarded to local supplier

    Ground and construction work at Bardufoss substation will be carried out by Aktør som Bygger.

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  • Environmental audit conducted

    The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) has conducted an environmental audit at a number of locations along the development.

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  • Compensation to be fixed by judicial assessment

    Statnett's compensation to affected landowners and rightsholders on the section Ofoten - Balsfjord will be fixed by judicial assessment.

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  • Åpne møter

    To inform about the work to be done public meetings will be held.

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  • Formell signering med entreprenører

    Contracts with the contractors for the construction of a new 420 kV transmission line from Ofoten to Balsfjord was signed last week.

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  • All CEMP plans approved for Ofoten – Balsfjord

    The Construction and Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) for the power line, demolition and substations – a total of eight – have now been approved.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Why is the Ofoten Balsfjord power line necessary?

    Statnett has built the 420 kV power line to improve security of supply in northern Norway, promote industrial growth and increased value creation, as well as production of new renewable energy.

    The power line eliminates a bottleneck in the main grid between Nordland and Troms counties, and is entirely necessary to ensure reliable power supply north of Ofoten. There has been periods where the transmission grid has operated with reduced security. This reinforcement is also necessary in connection with an expected increase in consumption and plans for greater industrial activity in northern Norway. The power line between Ofoten and Balsfjord is a precondition for optimal function of the Balsfjord-Skaidi power line.

  • How much will the power line cost?

    The cost of the interconnector from Ofoten to Balsfjord is estimated at NOK 3 billion. 

  • How long will the power line be?

    Approx. 150 km

  • How has the local population been able to impact the process?

    There have been a number of possibilities to impact the process.

    • First through the official announcement of the planning proposal and at public meetings.
    • Then through a corresponding process in connection with submitting the licence application and supplementary application. All affected landowners and licensees have received the applications personally.
    • There have been meetings with public authorities and elected representatives, at the time of the planning proposal and application.
    • Statnett has also organised open office days and has separate landowner contracts in the district.
    • We are also engaged in an extended dialogue with the reindeer husbandry administration. 
  • Who will pay for the power line?

    What is part of the main grid is generally included in Statnett’s revenue ceiling and thus paid for by all grid users. This will be the case for Ofoten-Balsfjord.

    If a power line will be built from the main grid directly to a consumer or power producer, the power line could be paid for in the form of an investment contribution from the person triggering the power line need.

  • When will the power line be complete?

    The power line was finished 7th of september 2017.