A major project which will see Britain and Denmark's power grids connected has been boosted with a key appointment.

Leading UK construction firm Balfour Beatty has landed a £90 million contract to deliver the British onshore civils works for the Viking Link Interconnector Project.

On behalf of joint venture delivery partners, National Grid and Energinet, the company will work over a four-year contract to install 68 kilometres of high voltage cabling across Lincolnshire; connecting Denmark to Great Britain at National Grid's Bicker Fen substation.

The project will form part of the wider 765 kilometres Viking Link which will supply sustainable electricity for 1.4 million homes in Great Britain and improve the security of electricity supply in both countries.

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In addition, the Viking Link will contribute to the UK Government's carbon reduction commitment to reduce all greenhouse emissions to net zero by 2050, by providing access to a well-developed, low cost renewable energy market.

Ian Currie, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's Power Transmission and Distribution business said: "We are delighted to be contributing to this landmark project which will support the Government's carbon reduction target and provide numerous homes across Great Britain with access to sustainable electricity.

"Our expert teams have years of experience and in-depth knowledge in delivering complex high voltage cabling projects and we look forward to providing National Grid and Energinet with a comprehensive solution which will ensure safe and efficient delivery."

Mike Elmer, Viking Link Project Director for National Grid Ventures added: "This contract is a major milestone in the next part of the project. We're pleased to be working with Balfour Beatty, who will deliver the onshore cable installation section of the Viking Link Interconnector between landfall site at Sandilands and the Converter Station at Bicker Fen. 

"Viking Link will enable Great Britain to import and export electricity; provide a secure supply of affordable electricity and play a vital role in helping to decarbonise the UK's power supply on our journey to a net zero carbon energy system."

Works are due to commence in January 2020 with completion scheduled for the end of 2023.

(CM/MH)