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National Grid Opens Eight-Week Consultation on Revised UKNetherlands LionLink Interconnector

An eight-week consultation now sets out a refined Walberswick route, advancing the UKNetherlands project toward a 2026 consent filing.

Overview

  • National Grid Ventures published updated LionLink plans that use the Nederwiek 3 offshore grid to link both countries’ high-voltage systems and potentially deliver up to 2 GW, described as enough for about 2.5 million UK homes.
  • Walberswick remains the preferred UK landfall over Southwold, chosen for a 19.9 km onshore route and lower long‑term erosion and flood risk.
  • Public consultation runs 13 January to 10 March 2026, with events for residents to review the route and provide feedback before a consent application.
  • About 84% of the UK section will be offshore and all onshore cables will be buried, with no beach construction and no visible permanent infrastructure after completion.
  • Regulatory steps include an Ofgem licence application already lodged, a Development Consent Order submission planned for 2026 with a decision expected in 2027, and a 2032 in‑service target; TenneT leads the Dutch side.