How LionLink will work

LionLink will bring offshore wind energy to Great Britain by connecting to a Dutch offshore wind farm, whilst also enabling the flow of energy between Great Britain and Dutch electricity systems via subsea cables.
 

The key components of LionLink include: 

• Extension to Kiln Lane Substation to facilitate LionLink's connection 
• Proposed Underground High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) cables between Kiln Lane Substation and the proposed Converter Station
• Proposed Converter Station, east of Saxmundham
• Proposed Underground High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables between the proposed Converter Station, and the proposed Landfall Site
• Proposed Landfall Site at Walberswick
• Proposed offshore HVDC cables from the proposed Landfall Site, to the edge of the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
   

Explore our proposals further on our interactive map via the link below:

Interactive map

Take a look at our diagram for how this technology works:
 

Image

What is an interconnector?

Interconnectors are high-voltage, primarily offshore cables that connect our electricity system with neighbouring countries, allowing us to import or export energy depending on supply. National Grid Ventures (NGV) already has six interconnectors, with a combined capacity of 7.8 GW, connecting the UK to France, Belgium, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.

By connecting to offshore windfarms, interconnectors like LionLink increase the transition to cleaner, renewable energy in the electricity system. As we continue to move towards renewable energy sources, the percentage of energy transferred by LionLink that is renewable will also increase over time.