NSL entered Trial Operations on 1 Oct 2021, after successfully completing commissioning. During the Trial Operations phase, a fault has been detected in one of the converters at the UK end, which has resulted in reduced capacity of 700MW being maintained while investigations have been ongoing.
This capacity reduction will last until 14 Feb 2022, after which the interconnector will be made available at 1050MW.
As part of Trial Operations, NSL is being gradually ramped up to its full operational capacity of 1400MW. The gradual increase in capacity follows the Norwegian system operator’s standard approach for integrating new interconnectors.
At a later point, NSL capacity will be reduced to 700 MW for approximately three weeks to replace parts that will secure an enduring solution for the converters. As a result of corrective actions being taken, Trial Operations will likely continue into Q2 2022.