The Netherlands has taken a significant step towards enhancing cross-border energy infrastructure by including the LionLink interconnector in its Offshore Wind Energy Development Framework. The project, supported by Dutch Climate and Green Growth Minister Sophie Hermans, will connect the Netherlands and the United Kingdom through the Nederwiek 3 offshore grid.
LionLink, a direct current (DC) interconnector, will link the Nederwiek 3 offshore wind farm to both Dutch and UK onshore high-voltage grids. It will also serve as a high-capacity conduit for electricity exchange between the two countries. The Ministry of Climate and Green Growth will decide on the market design for wind farm developers during the upcoming tender for Nederwiek 3. Additionally, new agreements on market coupling between the European Union and the UK are essential for the interconnector's effective operation.
“TenneT welcomes this next step in the development of LionLink,” said Marco Kuijpers, director of large offshore projects at TenneT. “The hybrid interconnector between the Netherlands and the UK provides benefits for both countries, as it ensures improved security of supply, higher cable utilisation rates, and efficient use of space in the North Sea. In addition, this hybrid interconnector stimulates competition in the energy markets so that the affordability of electricity improves for both consumers and industry.”
The LionLink project is being developed in close collaboration with National Grid Ventures, the UK partner. Both governments and project stakeholders aim to have the interconnector operational by 2032. The initiative aligns with broader goals to integrate renewable energy sources and enhance energy security while improving market efficiency in the North Sea region.
