Key Points:
- The LionLink Project aims to link the United Kingdom and the Netherlands with offshore wind farms, offering both countries clean, secure, and reasonably priced energy.
- The improved connectivity will have a positive impact on the environment and coastal communities of the UK by decreasing the necessity for additional onshore construction and visible infrastructure.
- The project is part of the UK government’s efforts to work with businesses to grow the economy, create better-paid jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign gas supplies.
The UK and the Netherlands are set to build the world’s largest multi-use electricity power line under the North Sea, in a move that will boost UK energy supplies and cut household bills. LionLink, as it is called, will be a cross-border electricity line connecting the UK and the Netherlands with offshore wind farms. Its purpose is to provide clean, affordable, and secure energy to Britain, while also helping to reduce reliance on foreign gas supplies and drive Putin’s Russia further out of the energy market.
The project was announced during the North Sea Summit in Belgium, where nine countries met to discuss ambitions for building future offshore wind farms. The LionLink project, which will be operational by the early 2030s, is being developed by National Grid Ventures and TenneT.
Capacity and Benefits
The upcoming LionLink power line will be capable of carrying 1.8GW of electricity, which is a significant increase compared to Germany and Denmark’s Kassø-Frøslev (Kriegers Flag) power line, which can only carry 0.4GW. It will be able to power 1.8 million homes – more than Birmingham and Manchester combined – and will be the largest of its kind in terms of capacity anywhere in the world.
The LionLink, unlike regular interconnectors that connect only two countries, will connect the UK and Netherlands to each other and to offshore wind farms in the North Sea. This enhanced interconnectivity will benefit the UK’s coastal communities and the environment by reducing the need for additional onshore construction and visible infrastructure, while also minimizing the impact on the North Sea’s wildlife.
The addition of LionLink to the UK’s existing 8.4GW interconnector capacity will increase it by up to 20%, resulting in more clean and affordable power for homes and businesses in the UK. The North Sea energy sector’s world-class innovation, knowledge, and skills are anticipated to attract £20 billion in annual investments to the coastal regions of the UK and generate 40,000 highly skilled green jobs in the country.
Benefits of Renewable Energy
This innovative project between the UK and the Netherlands is part of the government’s efforts to work with businesses to grow the economy and boost energy security through new renewable energy and interconnector projects. The LionLink project aligns with one of the Prime Minister’s top priorities, as it not only contributes to the creation of higher-paying jobs throughout the country but also enhances economic security by reducing dependence on foreign gas supplies.
The North Sea has become the primary source of green electricity for the Netherlands and significant parts of Europe. Consequently, the UK and the Netherlands are set to enhance their interconnection to promote energy security and independence in Europe. This collaboration is especially critical in offshore wind energy. In case of a surplus of wind-generated electricity, it can be distributed to areas experiencing a power shortage, and vice versa. Therefore, the establishment of this new connection is essential for ensuring a steady and reliable supply of energy.
What does it matter?
The LionLink Project, a new cross-border electricity line between the UK and the Netherlands, is set to become the world’s largest multi-use electricity power line. The project will connect the two countries with offshore wind farms in the North Sea, providing clean, affordable, and secure energy to both nations. With the ability to carry more than four times the amount of electricity as its predecessor, this project is a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener energy future.
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