Documents
North Sea Link - next phases of operations and market developments (Feb 2026)
Following Nord Pool's competitive tender award we would like to outline the next phases of the project to continue operating as North Sea Link’s (NSL) service provider with complete implementation planned by the end of November 2026.
Since 2021, Nord Pool has successfully operated the implicit daily day-ahead auction between Great Britain and Norway. The new agreement secures the next phase of North Sea Link operations for a maximum period of 10 years.
Trading will continue to be integrated into Nord Pool’s auctions in Great Britain and as separate auctions in Norway. This means NSL trading will continue to take place outside the common European electricity market.
Key changes under the new agreement
Day‑ahead auctions – resolution change
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In Great Britain, Nord Pool will enable multi-resolution trading in the existing N2EX Day-Ahead Auction, allowing 30-minute and 60-minute MTUs.
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In Norway, Nord Pool will enable multi-resolution trading in the existing N2NO2 Day-Ahead Auction, allowing 15-minute, 30-minute and 60-minute MTUs.
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Gate Closure Times will remain unchanged for the N2EX and N2NO2 auctions.
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NSL- cable resolution will shift to 30-minutes MTU
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Go-live is expected during Nov 2026.
Introduction of Intraday Auctions with NSL Capacity
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NSL intraday capacity will be offered with a 30-minutes MTU.
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Single-resolution trading will apply in the Intraday Auctions
Great Britain – 30‑minute MTU
Norway (NO2) – 15‑minute MTU -
Gate Closure Times (GCT):
NSL IDA1 15:30 CET on D-1 for delivery 00:00-24:00 CET Nord Pool’s existing GB Half-Hourly Intraday Auction will be used for the GB side of IDA1
NSL IDA2 08:30 CET on D for delivery 12:00-24:00 CET -
Go‑live is currently expected towards the end of November 2026. Note that the resolution change in Day-ahead will happen before the go-live of the two IDAs.
Member testing
Member testing is planned for Q3–Q4 2026. Further details will be shared in due course.
If you have any questions, please the customer team: or [email protected] contact your Nord Pool market manager.
Note
Nord Pool have developed the new solution taking into consideration the requirement to allow additional power exchanges to access capacity on the NO2 side, though as of today, there is only the one power exchange (Nord Pool) accessing capacity on the NO2 side.
Consultation on new trading arrangements on NSL - Results
Further to the consultation (21 June -12 August) published by Statnett regarding NSL Intraday product development, please find a link to Statnett's website where the responses are published below.
Multi-Region Loose Volume Coupling
The attached Multi-Region Loose Volume Coupling (MRLVC) report is the joint response from UK and EU TSOs to technical questions posed by the European Commission and the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero. The report identifies the challenges and benefits of implementing MRLVC.
NSL Access Rules and Charging Methodology
This document contains NGNSL’s Access Rules for Day Ahead NSL capacity allocation (Part 1 within this document) and Charging Methodology (Part 2), both of which are required under NGNSL’s Interconnector Licence.
NSL Access Rules and Charging Methodology