James Humfrey, the CEO of the Morocco-UK Power Project, and Simon Ludlam remain optimistic about the potential of long-distance electricity cables to revolutionize energy transmission. As the world’s energy needs continue to expand and the need for sustainable solutions becomes more urgent, research into these intercontinental links has grown in recent years. To balance these needs, developers are actively exploring several projects intended to link the very same areas and nations, improving energy security and efficiency.
One of their most ambitious efforts so far is a proposed 4,000-kilometer (2,500-mile) electrified cable connecting North America to Europe. Laurent Segalen and Simon Ludlam head up this bold endeavor. It’s hoping to make trading renewable energy assets between the two continents more convenient than ever. To do so, they are tapping into a wide variety of energy sources. Together, their mutual aim is a more resilient energy grid that serves the needs of both communities.
The ambitious AAPowerLink project, with SunCable at the helm. This project, called Solar for Singapore, would seek to transmit solar-generated electricity from Australia’s Northern Territory directly to Singapore. This pioneering EU initiative means building a mind-numbing 4,300-kilometer cable and calls for a huge $26.4 billion investment. For these reasons, AAPowerLink is an exciting development in the effort to connect Australia’s renewable energy resources to Southeast Asia’s growing market.
The Viking Interconnector: A Successful Model
The Viking interconnector, that can transmit both DC and AC electricity, started commercial operation at the end of 2023, representing another significant boost to long-distance, cross-border electricity trading. This two-way electricity cable, which runs 765 kilometers across land and sea, interlinks Britain and Denmark’s electricity markets. Just like in the UK’s National Grid and Denmark’s Energinet joint venture, this binational collaboration exemplifies how two countries can partner to best leverage one another’s energy resources.
The Viking interconnector takes advantage of opposite weather conditions around the North Sea to improve electricity trading efficiency. By connecting electricity flows in both directions, it lets each country tap into the other’s energy resources to better meet supply and demand. This pioneering approach is a model for future interconnectors, showing the widely recognized advantages of deepening energy collaboration across borders.
Exploring New Connections
Developers are already actively working on the feasibility of even more long-distance cables that would further extend that distance to beyond 4,000 kilometers. These new connections would allow the UK to use Canada’s vast hydropower resources. According to the California Energy Commission, this would provide a stable, renewable grid resource during those low-demand hours. Not only do such interconnectors hold the potential to improve energy security, they can help achieve national aims to reduce carbon emissions.
Norway recently joined discussions on the equitable distribution of the benefits of its energy exports via new interconnectors. As the global demand for renewable energy continues to increase, it will be important to make sure all community members benefit from these projects. By proactively addressing concerns around fairness and accessibility, developers can build community collaboration and create a more sustainable energy landscape.