The appointment, which is expected to be early next year, marks a major step forward for the proposal to build a 1400MW electricity interconnector between the two countries.
Alan Foster director, European Business Development, National Grid said: “Connecting to Denmark will allow Great Britain to trade with the wider European, Scandinavian and Nordic electricity markets and bring additional sources of renewable energy to Britain from Denmark and its neighbouring countries. This in turn should have a positive impact on energy prices and increase security of energy supply for our country.”
The successful tenderer will carry out geophysical surveys and sampling to pinpoint areas of environmental and archaeological interest and help identify the best route for the marine cables and suitable landing locations.
If granted planning permission, Viking Link will extend for approximately 650km under the North Sea between the western coast of Denmark and Lincolnshire. It will connect into the National Grid at an existing substation at Bicker Fen and into the Danish electricity network an existing substation site at Revsing.
The interconnector will give Britain access to low carbon electricity, reduced energy costs for customers and increased security of national energy supply.
Energinet.dk’s technical director, Torben Glar Nielsen, said: “It is essential for the effective development of Europe's energy systems that electricity can move more freely across borders. Viking Link can provide great socio economic gains, not only in Britain and Denmark, but throughout the north of Europe.”
The intention is for the interconnector to be operational by the end of 2022.
