The upgrade will take place in stages where the most critical power lines will be upgraded first. The upgrade is estimated to cost between NOK 6 and 9 billion (the whole area).
Statnett will submit applications to the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) for each of the power lines and associated substations. The NVE will then submit the licence application for consultation. After the consultation period, the NVE will assess whether additional assessments are required before making a decision. All affected parties are entitled to appeal the NVE's decision to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE). The MPE's decision is final. A separate web page has been prepared for the section covered by Statnett's licence application.
The total investment cost is estimated to range between NOK 7,1 and NOK 8,5 billion