Connection agreement in Suffolk for Nautilus interconnector removed
National Grid Ventures has confirmed the removal of a connection agreement in Suffolk for the Nautilus interconnector. This latest update will see the removal of Nautilus from the interconnector register and means the LionLink interconnector will be the only interconnector project to be developed by National Grid Ventures in East Suffolk.
The development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects requires developers to enter into a connection agreement with the independent National Energy System Operator (NESO). The proposal for a new subsea cable between the UK and Belgium which also connects to offshore wind, called Nautilus, was set to connect in Leiston. However, National Grid Venture’s preferred location for connection was always Grain, and following an updated assessment in November from Ofgem and in coordination with NESO, National Grid Ventures is proceeding with its preferred connection to Grain.
Gareth Burden, Construction Director, National Grid Ventures said: “Our preference for the Nautilus interconnector has always been to connect in Grain. Now that Ofgem has approved this location, we can release Nautilus’ connection in Leiston. We have no plans to build Nautilus in Suffolk or to use the connection agreement for an alternative project.
“We look forward to engaging further with the community in Grain as we move forward with Nautilus, which will have the capacity to power over 1.7 million UK homes.”
Nautilus, a joint venture with Elia, will strengthen the shared energy security of the UK and Belgium. It will use new innovative infrastructure called an offshore hybrid asset which will connect North Sea offshore wind to the UK and Belgium via a subsea interconnector. This approach maximises the efficient use of renewable power and delivers a mostly offshore solution at the forefront of current available technology.