Sweden and Denmark have announced plans to replace two aging undersea power cable lines in a bid to strengthen electricity transmission capacity between the two countries, Swedish grid operator Kraftnät confirmed on Thursday. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance energy security, improve grid stability, and ensure efficient cross-border electricity trade in the face of evolving energy demands.

The two existing cables, Konti-Skan 1 and Konti-Skan 2, have played a critical role in power exchange between Sweden and Denmark for decades. However, these lines are expected to reach the end of their technical lifetimes by the mid-2030s, making it necessary to upgrade the infrastructure to maintain and enhance power transmission. "The main driving force behind the renewal is to enable continued electricity trade between Sweden and Denmark," Kraftnät said in an official statement.

With increasing demand for renewable energy and growing concerns over grid reliability, the upgraded transmission system is expected to boost the combined capacity of the two lines by 40%, from the current level to 1,000 megawatts. This increase is aimed at stabilizing electricity prices, particularly during periods of fluctuating supply and demand.

The power cables run between Lindome, near Gothenburg in southern Sweden, and Vester Hassing, in northern Denmark. Replacing these critical infrastructure components will not only modernize the existing power network but also ensure a more resilient energy connection between the Nordic nations.

The project comes at a time when energy security has become a key concern across Europe, especially following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Several Baltic nations have been on high alert due to a series of disruptions affecting power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines, raising fears of potential sabotage. The Sweden-Denmark power link upgrade is seen as a proactive step in securing a stable and uninterrupted energy supply.

The total cost of the replacement project is estimated at approximately 6.5 billion Swedish crowns ($598.4 million), with expenses to be shared equally between the Swedish and Danish grid operators. While a specific timeline for construction and completion has not yet been disclosed, the initiative underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to reinforcing their energy infrastructure and supporting long-term sustainability.

By modernizing these critical transmission lines, Sweden and Denmark are not only securing their energy trade but also contributing to the broader European goal of integrating power markets and expanding renewable energy sources.