Jan 9, 2026
National Grid Reveals New Strategy for Anglo-Dutch Cable Connection
National Grid PLC announced on Thursday that it has modified the route for the proposed LionLink cable to the Netherlands, a collaboration with TenneT BV.
The interconnector is intended to transmit up to two gigawatts of wind energy, which can power around 2.5 million homes in the UK. LionLink aims to connect an offshore wind farm in the Netherlands with the Dutch and UK energy grids, targeting an operational start in 2032, according to National Grid's project webpage.
In an online statement on Thursday, the power transmission and distribution operator revealed it will initiate an eight-week public consultation regarding the new cable plan, which will begin underground in Walberswick, Suffolk. This decision was made after evaluating environmental impacts and local residents’ concerns regarding access and traffic issues.
National Grid mentioned that an alternative underground high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable corridor to the north of Southwold was ruled out following consultations.
The company emphasized that it is collaborating closely with local authorities to ensure no construction occurs on the beach and that there will be no visible infrastructure post-project completion, referring to its unit, National Grid Ventures, responsible for building and operating LionLink.
According to the plans, 84 percent of the UK section of the LionLink cable will be located offshore, while all onshore segments will be buried underground.
The revised plan is a result of non-statutory consultations conducted in 2022 and 2023, stated LionLink project director Gareth Burden.
Burden also noted that they are regularly coordinating with other developers in Suffolk to manage construction in a way that minimizes long-term disruptions in any single area.
National Grid pointed out that "LionLink is poised to be one of the first of its kind, contributing to the future of offshore renewable energy by integrating wind generation with cross-border interconnection in a single project."
Currently, offshore wind farms and international interconnectors function separately, needing distinct connections to land. LionLink aims to reduce the number of individual landings, lower infrastructure costs, and promote a more resilient and flexible energy system.
Public consultations will take place at locations near the proposed route from January 24 to February 28, as well as online on February 4 and March 3.
The interconnector is intended to transmit up to two gigawatts of wind energy, which can power around 2.5 million homes in the UK. LionLink aims to connect an offshore wind farm in the Netherlands with the Dutch and UK energy grids, targeting an operational start in 2032, according to National Grid's project webpage.
In an online statement on Thursday, the power transmission and distribution operator revealed it will initiate an eight-week public consultation regarding the new cable plan, which will begin underground in Walberswick, Suffolk. This decision was made after evaluating environmental impacts and local residents’ concerns regarding access and traffic issues.
National Grid mentioned that an alternative underground high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable corridor to the north of Southwold was ruled out following consultations.
The company emphasized that it is collaborating closely with local authorities to ensure no construction occurs on the beach and that there will be no visible infrastructure post-project completion, referring to its unit, National Grid Ventures, responsible for building and operating LionLink.
According to the plans, 84 percent of the UK section of the LionLink cable will be located offshore, while all onshore segments will be buried underground.
The revised plan is a result of non-statutory consultations conducted in 2022 and 2023, stated LionLink project director Gareth Burden.
Burden also noted that they are regularly coordinating with other developers in Suffolk to manage construction in a way that minimizes long-term disruptions in any single area.
National Grid pointed out that "LionLink is poised to be one of the first of its kind, contributing to the future of offshore renewable energy by integrating wind generation with cross-border interconnection in a single project."
Currently, offshore wind farms and international interconnectors function separately, needing distinct connections to land. LionLink aims to reduce the number of individual landings, lower infrastructure costs, and promote a more resilient and flexible energy system.
Public consultations will take place at locations near the proposed route from January 24 to February 28, as well as online on February 4 and March 3.