LionLink Power Line Set to Supercharge UK Energy Supply
The new LionLink power line between the UK and the Netherlands will deliver enough electricity to power over 1.8 million homes — that’s more than the combined total of Manchester and Birmingham. This undersea marvel is the world’s largest multi-use electricity power line and a game changer for UK energy security.
Clean Energy, Lower Bills, and Cutting Russia Out
LionLink will connect UK and Dutch offshore wind farms, delivering clean, affordable, and secure energy straight to Britain. This will help slash household energy bills and further isolate Putin’s Russia from global energy markets. Unlike traditional interconnectors linking just two countries, LionLink is multipurpose — linking the UK, the Netherlands, and offshore wind farms all at once.
Historic Deal Announced at North Sea Summit
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps led a UK delegation to the North Sea Summit in Belgium, unveiling the landmark project. Shapps said:
“Today’s historic deal with the Netherlands connects our two countries through the largest engineering feat of its kind — powering more homes than Manchester and Birmingham combined.”
“We’re bolstering energy security and sending a clear message to Putin — your days of dominating global energy are over.”
“British energy firms are showcasing world-leading expertise in clean, cheap, and secure renewable technologies — driving economic growth and creating better-paid jobs.”
Massive Boost for UK Green Energy & Jobs
- LionLink will carry 1.8GW of electricity — more than four times the capacity of Germany and Denmark’s similar interconnector.
- Developed by National Grid Ventures and TenneT, it’s set to be operational by the early 2030s.
- The project will add 20% to the UK’s existing 8.4GW interconnector capacity, boosting clean energy access.
- It reduces the need for onshore infrastructure, protecting coastal communities and North Sea wildlife.
- Expected to attract £20 billion a year in investment to UK coastal regions and create 40,000 green jobs.
Industry Leaders Praise Revolutionary Project
Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, hailed LionLink as a “game changer” for energy, saying it will unlock massive green potential in the North Sea.
“We can now deploy every spare electron where it’s needed most and reduce impact on coastal communities. We need the right political, legal and regulatory framework to make this North Sea grid a reality for a cleaner, fairer, and more affordable energy future.”
TenneT CEO Manon van Beek added:
“Offshore hubs connected by a meshed DC grid will be the backbone of a North Sea powerhouse. LionLink is the first step, a ground-breaking project turning future vision into reality.”
Meanwhile, Dutch Climate & Energy Minister Rob Jetten said LionLink “boosts energy security and independence across Europe, ensuring green electricity generated by the North Sea winds is efficiently shared and supplied.”
Next Steps: Strengthening UK-Europe Energy Ties
Today, Grant Shapps is also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Denmark to deepen cooperation on offshore wind and the transition to renewables. This ties into the government’s broader drive to work with business, grow the economy, and secure Britain’s energy future.
