Multiconsult is supporting Statnett with comprehensive owner’s engineering and design services for the establishment of the new 420 kV transmission line and the refurbishment of three transformer substations. The project is scheduled for completion in 2035.

‘The need for a new transmission line between Flesaker, Langerud and Hasle is twofold. Firstly, there is a growing requirement for transmission capacity into the Oslo area and Eastern Norway more broadly. Secondly, the existing 300 kV line is approaching the end of its technical lifetime,’ says Statnett Executive Vice President Christian Færø.

He notes that the current line already has limited capacity, which can make the power system more vulnerable. ‘Faults or planned maintenance can increase the risk of power outages and reduce security of supply,’ Færø says.

Extensive assignment

The new line will replace the existing 300 kV line, which will be dismantled once the new installation is completed. The current route covers approximately 55 km from Flesaker to Tegneby, and 33 km from Tegneby to Hasle. The project affects the municipalities of Øvre Eiker, Drammen, Holmestrand, Asker, Vestby, Våler and Sarpsborg, in the counties of Akershus, Buskerud, Vestfold and Østfold.

‘This is a large, multidisciplinary project involving a wide range of expertise from both our own organisation and our subcontractors. We are delivering services spanning technical disciplines, environmental and climate studies, land acquisition and stakeholder management. It is highly motivating to support Statnett in realising this important project, which will increase access to power and strengthen security of supply across Eastern Norway,’ says Joakim Arntsen, Project Manager at Multiconsult Norge.

Multiconsult has now prepared the notification on behalf of Statnett, which has been submitted to the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). The notification forms part of step 2 in Statnett’s area plans for Telemark and Vestfold, and Oslo, Akershus and Østfold.