Opening NorNed-cable
Speech by Ms M.J.A. van der Hoeven, Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands about the world's longest submarine high-voltage connection, at the opening of the NorNed-cable, 11 September 2008, Eemshaven
Your Excellency Mr Riis-Johansen, Ladies and gentlemen,
Reality at times surpasses the imagination.
And it truly does so today. We are here to celebrate the world's longest submarine high-voltage connection. A triumph of pioneering skills and creative thinking!
NorNed, all 580 kilometres of it, has already proven a major business success. As such, it signifies a major step forward in securing Europe's energy future.
Standing on opposite shores, though strongly united in our common commitment, we now mark the pipeline's official opening. It is an honour for me to speak to you on this memorable day!
Først og fremst, vil jeg gratulere min kollega, Herr Riis-Johansen, med fullførelsen av NorNed kabelen. Den Norske regjeringen har støttet prosjektet helt fra begynnelsen og jeg er sikker på at du har sett fram til denne dagen akkurat som meg.
I tillegg vil jeg uttrykke min beundring og takknemlighet til alle i Norge og Nederland som har medvirket til fullførelsen av NorNed prosjektet. Deres optimisme og gjennomføringsevne samt standhaftige pragmatisme har bidratt til å sikre en mer stabil energiforsyning fremover.
Thank you for providing this permanent link between our national grids, bringing our countries even closer together!
By joining forces, Norway and the Netherlands have set an example. A joint investment of almost EUR 600 million has been made. No mere achievement! Our respective TSOs, Statnett and TenneT, must be given full credit for the project's immediate financial success. I have no doubt that further steps towards market coupling will be made in due course, benefiting all parties concerned. Most importantly, you have shown international cooperation to be the key to safeguarding security of supply, raising flexibility and maintaining affordability. Last but definitely not least, NorNed also raises the profile of Norwegian hydrolic power, helping us to 'go green'.
In a word, NorNed, indeed, is Europe's link for the future!
Europe as a whole will benefit from the complex infrastructure of cables and cross-border interconnectors that is now taking shape. At the moment, it is proving equally necessary to work together in the field of gas and CCS.
The Netherlands is keen to take on a leading role here. We aim to develop our position as an energy hub for North-West Europe. Evidently, long-distance cable connections such as NorNed are vital to realising our ambitions for safeguarding Europe's energy security and promoting sustainability.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the field of energy, we face a common future. NorNed helps to achieve just that! Its official opening provides just cause for celebration, so have a wonderful day today!
Thank you.