Accelerated energy transitions and electricity transmission: A sociotechnical analysis of interconnector projects in northern Europe

Abstract

Non-technical summary Europe's transition to renewable energy depends not only on deploying more wind and solar farms but also on upgrading the electricity grids that connect them to where electricity is needed. However, insufficient progress in expanding high-voltage transmission networks is threatening further decarbonisation. This research examines two major cross-border grid projects aiming at linking Norway with Germany (NordLink) and the UK (NorthConnect). By investigating their development paths, we show how technical, political, and regulatory considerations shape progress and provide evidence to why some projects succeed while others stall - insights that can help accelerate clean energy transitions. Technical summary Accelerating renewable energy deployment in northern Europe exposes growing imbalances between electricity generation and the required grid capacity, creating bottlenecks such as curtailment and long connection queues. While addressing these challenges calls for large-scale and coordinated electricity grid expansion, many current projects are either delayed or cancelled. In this paper, we propose a novel conceptual framework that merges large technical systems and more contemporary sociotechnical transition approaches to explain how economic, technical, political, and institutional dynamics influence these network transitions. We apply this to analyse two interconnector projects: NordLink (Norway-Germany) and NorthConnect (Norway-UK). We draw on qualitative data, including interviews with developers, regulators, and policymakers, to identify critical branching points that influenced project trajectories. Our comparative analysis reveals how differing regulatory environments, forms of public contestation, and state strategies mediate the alignment or misalignment between accelerated renewable generation and network reconfiguration. By contrasting a completed (NordLink) and a stalled (NorthConnect) project, we highlight the infrastructural dimension of accelerated transitions, and provide insights into how governance approaches might better synchronise technological innovation and infrastructure development. Social media summary Interconnectors are critical for energy transitions. We investigate why some projects are successful and others stall.