UK energy regulator Ofgem has approved the Initial Project Assessment for LionLink, the first hybrid interconnector in the North Sea connecting the UK and the Netherlands. The project is referred to as a hybrid Interconnector because it will connect the two countries via a Dutch 2 GW offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
The initial project assessment is an important step on the British side in the development of the interconnector. LionLink is being developed by British high-voltage grid operator National Grid and Dutch high-voltage grid operator TenneT and will connect the Dutch and British electricity grids via submarine cables, which will be connected to a Dutch offshore wind farm via an offshore converter platform. In the UK, the interconnector will have the onshore landing point in Suffolk. The project is internationally unique and presents a number of technical and regulatory challenges.
With a capacity of 2GW, the LionLink project will significantly increase interconnector capacity between the two countries. The Cap and Floor regime in the UK sets a minimum price (floor) to encourage investment while protecting consumers by setting a maximum price (cap). This form of pricing was first tested with National Grid’s Nemo Link project, which delivered exceptional value and nearly £200 million to consumers. Since Nemo Link, National Grid has built IFA2, North Sea Link and Viking Link under the Cap and Floor regime. Ofgem also approved the Initial Project Assessment for Nautilus, a hybrid interconnector between the UK and Belgium, in partnership with Belgian high-voltage grid operator Elia.
Subject to furthe rapproval and investment decision, the project is scheduled to be operational in 2030/2031. Source: TenneTSource: TenneT / Ofgem
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