Power and automation technology group ABB has commissioned a power line linking the southern Norwegian mainland grid to BP’s Valhall multi-platform complex in the North Sea.

The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link, a cable-based, state-of-the-art power transmission system will enable the supply of 78MW of power to the offshore complex.

BP will replace the use of offshore gas turbines through this HVDC link to generate electric power and eliminate up to 300,000t of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

The new platform is being commissioned by BP to replace some of the existing platforms at the Valhall oil and gas field over the next year.