SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

The Netherlands and the United Kingdom connected through a 2 GW wind project

The LionLink project, a hybrid interconnector developed by TenneT and NGV, will link the Dutch and UK electricity grids through the Nederwiek 3 offshore wind farm, ensuring 2-gigawatt capacity and strengthening energy security in Europe.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

The Dutch government, through Climate and Green Growth Minister Sophie Hermans, has announced a strategic project to connect the energy grids of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. This initiative is centered on LionLink, the first hybrid interconnector designed to transport 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity via the Nederwiek 3 offshore wind farm.

A groundbreaking hybrid interconnection model

LionLink, jointly developed by TenneT in the Netherlands and National Grid Ventures (NGV) in the UK, introduces a major innovation in interconnection technology. Unlike traditional models, this project combines renewable energy transmission with direct exchange between the two countries, meeting decarbonization and energy cooperation goals.

The installation relies on a converter platform located in the North Sea, capable of converting electricity from 66 kilovolts to 525 kilovolts direct current (DC), suitable for long-distance transmission. This concept ensures optimized use of offshore infrastructure, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Benefits for Europe and the United Kingdom

With a capacity equivalent to the electricity consumption of two million households, LionLink will enhance energy security in both countries while improving the competitiveness of electricity markets. Marco Kuijpers, Director of Large Offshore Projects at TenneT, highlighted that this hybrid interconnector will boost the integration of renewable energy and offer an effective alternative to current solutions.

The project also aligns with a broader vision of building an integrated energy network in the North Sea, a key element of Europe’s strategy to achieve its climate goals.

An ambitious timeline

The initial phases of the project, including stakeholder consultations and licensing, began in 2023. A final investment decision is expected in 2026, with commissioning planned for 2032. In parallel, discussions on electricity market coupling between the European Union and the United Kingdom will be necessary to ensure the interconnector’s efficiency.

A symbol of energy cooperation

LionLink reflects the shared ambition of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to lead in energy transition efforts. This strategic project also underscores the importance of cross-border partnerships to address global energy and climate challenges.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Shell halts its biofuels plant in Rotterdam amid strategic trade-off
IAEA: Iran held 440.9 kg at 60% before Israeli strikes
Power cuts plunge Iranian businesses into lasting operational crisis
Monkey Island LNG integrates ConocoPhillips technology in strategic agreement
Electric Hydrogen acquires Ambient Fuels and unlocks $400 mn for global projects
Van Oord completes installation of 109 cables at Sofia offshore wind farm
Van Oord has completed the installation of 109 inter-array cables at the Sofia offshore wind farm, marking a major logistical milestone for this North Sea energy infrastructure project.
ERG signs three PPA contracts with FS Group for 1.2 TWh of electricity
Italian producer ERG will supply 1.2 TWh of energy to Rete Ferroviaria Italiana starting in October, marking a step forward in structuring the national PPA market.
Envision Energy signs exclusive agreement for 4.5 GW wind project in Turkey
The Chinese turbine manufacturer has signed a strategic agreement with Mensis Enerji to develop an initial 4.5 GW wind power portfolio in Turkey, strengthening its position in a fast-growing regional market.
Trump administration moves to revoke Avangrid permits for offshore wind off Massachusetts
The Trump administration plans to revoke federal approval of the New England Wind project, jeopardising offshore wind contracts representing 2,600 MW of capacity off the northeastern US coast.
Orsted sues Trump administration over halt of Revolution Wind project
Orsted and two U.S. states have taken federal legal action to contest the abrupt halt of the Revolution Wind project, a $5 billion offshore venture now at risk of prolonged suspension.
SPIE secures strategic contract for TPC II offshore wind farm in Taiwan
SPIE Wind Connect will carry out subsea connections for phase II of the TPC project, a major development in Taiwan’s offshore wind sector with a projected annual capacity of 1,000 GWh.
Envision Energy enters Turkish market with 232 MW wind project
Envision Energy launches its first project in Turkey in partnership with Yildizlar Group, adding 232 MW to the national wind capacity in Karaman province.
ABO Energy cuts costs and accelerates wind project sales
ABO Energy maintains its annual targets despite a drop in half-year profit, relying on cost-cutting measures and early project sales to secure cash flow.
Energiekontor secures financing for two wind farms totalling 94 MW in Lower Saxony
Energiekontor has closed financing for two wind projects in Verden, with a combined 94 MW, with construction starting this year and commissioning scheduled for 2027.
Seoul excludes foreign turbines in 689 MW offshore wind auction
South Korea has rejected all projects using foreign turbines in its 2025 offshore wind auction, marking a strategic shift in favour of local industry and energy security.
Denmark rejects again 37 offshore wind applications without tender
The Danish Energy Agency confirmed the rejection of 37 feasibility study permit applications, citing European Union state aid rules and lack of competition.
ACEN Australia’s 900 MW wind project secures federal approval
With an AUD$3 billion investment, ACEN launches one of Tasmania’s largest private projects, aiming for commissioning in 2030 and annual supply for 500,000 households.
In France, four citizen-funded wind turbines inject 12.9 MW into the Breton grid
In France, a 12.9 MW wind farm financed by local actors has been commissioned in Martigné-Ferchaud, showcasing an unprecedented model of shared governance between citizens, local authorities and public investment companies.
Five US coastal states challenge Trump over offshore wind projects
The governors of five states urged the Trump administration to maintain permits for threatened offshore wind projects, citing massive investments and jobs at stake in a nascent industry.
Green Wind Renewables launches 450 MW wind project in Western Australia
Green Wind Renewables is developing a 450 MW wind farm in the Wheatbelt region of Australia, with up to 75 turbines and an estimated annual output of 1.5 TWh.
RWE activates 83 megawatts of wind and solar capacity in France
German group RWE has commissioned five new power plants in France, adding 83 MW to its portfolio, following repeated successes in tenders organised by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Monsoon Wind launches 600 MW and begins electricity exports to Vietnam
The 600 MW onshore wind farm in Laos achieves commercial operation four months early, injecting power into Vietnam via a 500 kV interconnection and consolidating an international financing package of $950mn.
Equinor injects up to $939mn to support Ørsted’s capital increase
Equinor confirms its participation in Ørsted’s capital increase, aiming to maintain its 10% stake and support the financial stability of the Danish group facing headwinds in offshore wind.
Dongfang Electric installs 26 MW offshore wind turbine, a world record
Chinese manufacturer Dongfang Electric has installed a 26 MW offshore wind turbine in Shandong province, setting a double world record for power and rotor diameter.
Mitsubishi withdraws from three offshore wind projects due to regulatory and economic constraints
Facing unforeseen cost increases and a tightening regulatory environment, Mitsubishi Corporation is pulling out of three offshore wind projects, casting doubt on Japan's renewable energy ambitions.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.