UK and Netherlands plan 2GW 'LionLink' offshore wind connector between North Sea nations

Britain and the Netherlands plan to build a cross-border interconnector through the North Sea that could link up to 2GW of Dutch offshore wind capacity to the power grids of both countries via a giant subsea high voltage direct current (HVDC) power trunkline.

“Today’s historic deal with the Netherlands connects our two countries together through this exciting feat of innovation and engineering – the largest of its kind in the world which will provide enough electricity for more homes than in Manchester and Birmingham combined,” said UK energy secretary Grant Shapps.

“Together with the strong ties we have with our northern European neighbours united today at the North Sea Summit, we are bolstering our energy security and sending a strong signal to Putin’s Russia that the days of his dominance over global power markets are well and truly over.”

The interconnection aims to support decarbonisation, market integration and strengthen security of supply. It is also seen as a step toward an integrated offshore grid in the North Sea.

Manon van Beek, CEO of Dutch transmission system operator TenneT, said: “It is our conviction that offshore hubs configured in a meshed DC grid must form the backbone of the North Sea powerhouse.

“This is a view that is increasingly shared, and for us, it is more than a vision of the future. In fact, we are already doing it by kicking off this ground-breaking LionLink project right now.”

Dutch climate and energy minister Rob Jetten added: “The British and Dutch energy markets were first connected in 2011 via the BritNed interconnector. This connection has played an important role in supporting energy security this winter.

“It is imperative all North Sea countries collaborate closely on offshore wind energy and interconnection so that when there is a surplus of wind generated electricity, it can be shared instantly to locations with a shortage of power, and vice versa.”

Under the terms of the development agreement, TenneT and the UK’s National Grid Ventures will explore the potential of LionLink to simultaneously connect up to 2GW of offshore wind between the British and Dutch electricity systems.

In the next few years, on and offshore studies will start, including further analysis of existing developments and proposals. In the development phase more research will also be conducted to develop a sound business case and a wider analysis of the socio-economic costs and benefits.

A final investment decision on LionLink is expected in the middle of this decade.