Statnett commissions a 132 kV cable in Narvik routed through the Hålogaland Bridge across the Rombaken fjord

Norwegian transmission system operator Statnett has put into operation the new 132 kV cable installation that crosses the Rombaken fjord in Narvik through the Hålogaland suspension bridge. According to the company, the link strengthens the grid in Narvik, Lofoten, Vesterålen and the Harstad area.

What was built. The installation replaces the ageing, oil-insulated 132 kV subsea cables between Øyjord and Karistrand and connects to the 132 kV Kvandal–Narvik line. It consists of three 170 kV land cables installed in the bridge; at each end, the cables run between 100 and 200 metres up to a cable termination mast. Some 500–600 metres of new overhead line were built on both shores.

The technical solution. The Hålogaland Bridge, opened in December 2018, is 1,533 metres long with a main span of 1,145 metres. Temperature, wind and traffic make it move considerably along its length, so Statnett routed the cables through a specially developed arrangement that lets them follow the bridge’s movements and has holes to keep them from overheating. The solution was developed with LOS Cable Solutions and BEIN Engineering, and Statnett says it is the first to install a cable through such a bridge.

Context. The Rombaken project is part of the first stage of the Northern regional plan, under which Statnett is reinforcing the power system from Ofoten to Finnmark. “Rombaken is an important project to strengthen security of supply in the region and make room for further growth,” said project manager Leif Espen Kiær. The masts and conductors were installed by Statnett’s line emergency team, assisted by the Nordland operations area in Bjerkvik.

What comes next. The old subsea cables and the former line route are due to be dismantled in 2028. Besides Rombaken, Statnett has also applied for a licence to renew the subsea link across the Ofotfjord, between Lødingen and Barøya, which supplies Lofoten, the Harstad area, the island of Hinnøya and Sortland.

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