The UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem, has approved five new undersea connections to strengthen the UK’s power network with Europe, with completion expected by 2032. These connections will link the UK with the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Ireland, along with a connection between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Three of these projects are traditional interconnectors that allow the exchange of electricity between nations, while the remaining two are offshore hybrid assets (OHA) that also transmit renewable energy from offshore wind farms. This development underscores the UK’s aim to deepen its energy integration with Europe while increasing renewable energy usage.
Cost impacts on consumers are anticipated to be minimal, with Ofgem estimating an additional GBP 2 to GBP 5 per year on individual bills between 2030 and 2055. Beyond the costs, the benefits are substantial, including a more secure energy supply, increased capacity to export surplus power, and reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are prone to global price fluctuations.
The combined effect of these benefits is expected to create a more resilient power grid capable of adapting to market and supply changes.
UK to Strengthen Energy Security with Five New European Power Links, Boosting Renewable Integration by 2032
The two offshore hybrid projects, LionLink and Nautilus, will deliver renewable energy from offshore wind farms while also functioning as interconnectors. LionLink will link Dutch offshore wind farms directly to the UK’s grid with an onshore point in Suffolk, providing up to 1.8 GW of clean power.
Nautilus will connect Belgium to the UK at the Isle of Grain in Kent, delivering 1.4 GW of renewable energy. These projects are key examples of collaborative European efforts to integrate renewable resources and reinforce sustainable energy production in the region.
The remaining three projects, designed as traditional interconnectors, will extend the UK’s energy links with European grids. The Tarchon Energy Interconnector will span 610 km, connecting East Anglia to Germany with a capacity of 1.4 GW. The 190 km Mares Connect link will run between North Wales and Ireland, adding another 0.75 GW to the network.
Finally, the 142 km LirIC connection will run between Northern Ireland and Scotland, contributing an additional 0.7 GW of power. These connections are expected to strengthen the UK’s energy grid, allowing for greater flexibility and stability in managing supply and demand across national borders.
Akshay Kaul, Ofgem’s Director General for Infrastructure, noted that the UK is expected to become a net energy exporter by the 2030s, thanks to these new links. The infrastructure will enable the UK to export surplus renewable energy and maintain reliable import channels when necessary, creating a balance between domestic clean energy production and imported resources.
This development is a significant step in enhancing energy security, reducing emissions, and achieving a reliable, low-carbon energy system that supports both UK and European power needs.
