LionLink is a proposed 1.8GW
HVDC
A high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electric power transmission system uses direct current (DC) for electric power transmission, in contrast with the more common alternating current (AC) transmission systems. Most HVDC links use voltages betwe ...
electrical interconnector to link offshore wind farms in the North Sea to the electrical grids in both Great Britain and the Netherlands.
Current status
In planning terms, the project is at the ''pre-application'' stage.
Statutory consultation is expected to start later in 2025.
A final investment decision is expected in 2026.
If authorised, the project could be in operation by 2030
or 2032.
Electrical connections
The heart of the network will be an AC/DC converter station built on a platform in Dutch waters in the North Sea. Electrical power from nearby windfarms will be carried on 66kV AC cables to the converter station, where it will be converted to 525kV DC, feeding two separate
HVDC
A high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electric power transmission system uses direct current (DC) for electric power transmission, in contrast with the more common alternating current (AC) transmission systems. Most HVDC links use voltages betwe ...
cables - one to the Dutch mainland; and one to Great Britain, where it will make landfall at
Walberswick
Walberswick is a village and civil parish on the Suffolk coast in England. It is at the mouth of the River Blyth on the south side of the river. The town of Southwold lies to the north of the river and is the nearest town to Walberswick, aroun ...
in Suffolk. This hybrid offshore asset can also operate as a direct
interconnector
An interconnector (also known as a DC tie in the USA) is a structure which enables high-voltage DC electricity to flow between electrical grids, connecting separate AC networks, or linking synchronous grids. It may be formed of submarine power ...
between the
National Grid and the
Synchronous grid of Continental Europe
The Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA), formerly known as the UCTE grid, is one of the largest synchronous electrical grids in the world, primarily operating in Europe. It is interconnected as a single phase-locked mains frequency el ...
.
Project history
LionLink was announced in April 2023.
In February 2025, National Grid announced that the preferred site for landfall was Walberswick.
See also
Kriegers Flak (wind farm)
Kriegers Flak is a 605 Megawatt, MW offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea on the Danish part of the Kriegers Flak, reef of the same name. It forms part of a new 400 MW interconnector between Denmark and Germany.
Location
In 2010 the Danish ...
References
External links
Project websiteFeb 2025 Community Newsletter
{{DEFAULTSORT:LionLink
Electrical interconnectors to and from Great Britain
Electrical interconnectors to and from the Synchronous Grid of Continental Europe
HVDC transmission lines
Electrical interconnectors in the North Sea