Transmission system operators TenneT and National Grid Ventures (NGV) have signed an updated Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to advance the LionLink project. The 2GW hybrid interconnector will link the UK and the Netherlands via the planned Nederwiek 3 offshore wind farm in the Dutch North Sea. Expected to be commissioned in the early 2030s, the project aims to maximise the use of offshore wind, provide additional system flexibility and reduce the overall amount of required offshore infrastructure, generating enough electricity to supply up to 2.5 million households.
The agreement outlines procurement, governance and planning arrangements as the partners work towards a final investment decision (FID). In the UK, LionLink expects to apply for a Development Consent Order in 2026, following a recent statutory consultation on its design. The JDA coincides with the 15th anniversary of the companies' existing 1GW BritNed interconnector, which has facilitated nearly 93TWh of electricity trading between the two nations since 2011, generating significant consumer benefits and auction revenues.
To stay up to date with the LionLink interconnector and explore further cross-border energy opportunities, log in to EICDataStream today.