A new “Lionlink” between the UK and Netherlands will integrate offshore wind farms to boost UK clean energy, equivalent to powering 1.8m homes
The cross-border electricity Lionlink line will be only the second of its kind, after Germany and Denmark’s Kassø-Frøslev (Kriegers Flag), which carries 0.4GW of electricity.
The Lionlink will quadruple this, with the capacity to carry 1.8GW of electricity. Developed by National Grid Ventures and TenneT, the Lionlink will be operational by the early 2030s.
The Lionlink will have multiple connections, unlike other interconnectors
The Lionlink is unique in that it connects not only the UK and the Netherlands, but integrates offshore wind farms into the network as well.
It is hoped that this will reduce the need for further onshore construction and visible infrastructure, as well as lessening the impact on the North Sea’s wildlife.
The electricity delivered will supply enough power to support 1.8m homes- more than Manchester and Birmingham combined, for reference.
Ben Wilson, president National Grid Ventures, said:
“Connecting wind farms to multiple markets simultaneously is a game changer for energy infrastructure and brings us one step closer to realising the enormous green energy potential of the North Sea.
“Not only can we deploy every spare electron where it is needed most, we can help to reduce the impact of infrastructure on coastal communities.
“We now need the right political, legal and regulatory framework to make it happen and establish a mutually beneficial North Sea grid to deliver a cleaner, fairer, more secure and more affordable energy future for British and European consumers.”
Minister Rob Jetten, Climate & Energy for the Netherlands:
“With the North Sea becoming the largest supplier of green electricity for the Netherlands and large parts of Europe, we are ready to expand the interconnection between the 2 countries. LionLink provides close to 2 gigawatts of electricity to both countries, enough to power 2m households.
“This new connection further boosts energy security and energy independence in Europe. Close collaboration on offshore wind energy and interconnection amongst the North Sea countries is imperative.
“So in case there is a surplus of wind generated electricity, it can be shared instantly to locations with a shortage of power, and vice versa.”
The announcement follows the UK’s attendance at the North Sea Summit
Energy security secretary Grant Shapps has led a British business delegation to the North Sea Summit in Belgium, with the intent to bolster clean energy and economic security through reducing reliance on traditional oil and gas.
The summit will see Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway and the Netherlands meet in Ostend to agree ambitions for building future offshore wind farms. While there, the energy security secretary is also expected to sign agreement with Denmark to boost trade in cheaper, cleaner energy.
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“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.
“I’m proud to have the best of UK energy firms and organisations with me, flying the flag for British business and demonstrating our world-leading expertise in cleaner, cheaper and secure renewable technologies – helping deliver on one of our 5 priorities to grow the economy.”
