National Grid’s Dutch and Belgian interconnectors get initial nod from Ofgem

Ofgem has approved the Initial Project Assessment for the LionLink and Nautilus electricity interconnectors, which will connect transmission systems for the UK with the Netherlands and Belgium, respectively.

LionLink and Nautilus are pilot projects, defined as Offshore Hybrid Assets. They aim to connect national transmission systems and offshore wind farms based in Dutch and Belgian territorial waters.

Both projects are being coordinated by National Grid with the respective country’s TSO: LionLink with TenneT and Nautilus with Elia.

Should they proceed, the projects would have a combined capacity of 3.2GW and would significantly increase interconnector capacity, which the UK Government, National Energy System Operator, and Climate Change Committee have all highlighted as essential for net zero targets.

Nautilus would connect at the Isle of Grain, Kent, confirms National Grid in a release.

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Commenting in a release was Manon van Beek, CEO of TenneT: “LionLink is the first step towards future offshore hubs configured in a meshed offshore DC grid. This hybrid interconnector supports decarbonisation, energy independence/transition and strengthens British, Dutch and European security of supply.

“We welcome this big next step in the development of the connection between the UK and the Netherlands. There are still challenges ahead, but we are confident that our joint teams, suppliers and governments will make this project a resounding success.”

Added Frédéric Dunon, CEO Elia Transmission Belgium: “Nautilus is an important project for our country’s energy supply. Because our own offshore wind potential is limited, we need electrical connections to countries that will have surplus wind energy in the future, such as Britain.

“Nautilus will strengthen our security of supply and provide access to competitive energy prices. This will strengthen the competitiveness of our energy-intensive industry. Because of the hybrid nature of the interconnector, we are also choosing the most efficient solution.”

National Grid Ventures, a commercial unit part of National Grid plc, will also participate in the project, conditional on a final investment decision which amongst other things will require certainty on an acceptable economic regulatory regime for the projects.

Said Ben Wilson, president of National Grid Ventures: “Ofgem’s approval of LionLink and Nautilus’ Initial Project Assessment is welcome news, and an important step towards having the regulatory certainty we need to build these projects.

“It is important that the regulatory arrangements are now finalised and deliver an investible framework. Consumer demand for electricity is set to double in the next 25 years, and if built these interconnectors would provide the invaluable flexibility we need in the system for both now and in 2050.

“Between them, LionLink and Nautilus would have the capacity to power 4.2 million UK homes, supplying clean, secure, renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”