National Grid Ventures (NGV) has released revised plans for the LionLink interconnector, aimed at linking the future Nederwiek 3 offshore wind farm in the Netherlands to the UK and Dutch electricity grids.
NGV, responsible for the UK’s segment of LionLink, has initiated an eight-week public consultation on the updated proposal, identifying Walberswick as the intended landfall site for the subsea cable. Previous consultations in 2022 and 2023 had already pointed to Walberswick for its advantageous location. The site offers a shorter onshore cable route of 19.9 kilometers, in contrast to the alternative 32.8 kilometers via Southwold, thereby minimizing environmental impact and disruption to locals. Its lower susceptibility to coastal erosion and flooding makes Walberswick a sustainable choice for LionLink, according to NGV’s statement.
NGV announced on January 8 its collaboration with local authorities to prevent beach construction and ensure no visible infrastructure post-completion. The UK section, 84% offshore, will have all onshore components buried underground.
“Our plans for LionLink have progressed significantly. We’ve worked to deliver substantial economic benefits with minimal disruption,” said Gareth Burden, Project Director for LionLink. “Feedback from the 2022 and 2023 consultations helped us refine our plans. We coordinate with other developers in Suffolk to manage construction and minimize long-term disruption.”
LionLink will connect through the offshore grid of the Nederwiek 3 wind farm, linking to both Dutch and UK high-voltage grids, also serving as a high-voltage conduit for electricity exchange between the countries. Launched in April 2023, the project represents a pioneering electricity link between the UK and the Netherlands. On the Dutch side, TenneT handles the LionLink interconnection.
Following the initial plans, National Grid Lion Link Limited applied for an electricity interconnector license with UK energy regulator Ofgem, requesting authorization to operate the interconnector in Great Britain.
LionLink plans to apply for the Development Consent Order (DCO) with the UK Planning Inspectorate in 2026, anticipating a decision in 2027 and operational status by 2032. Dutch Climate and Green Growth Minister Sophie Hermans included LionLink in the Offshore Wind Energy Development Framework last year.
The tender for the Nederwiek 3 offshore wind development is slated for launch in 2026, along with the awards for Nederwiek 2 and 1B, the latter postponed from 2025 to 2026.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz