The UK and the Netherlands are set to be connected by a new power line that will deliver enough electricity to power 1.8 million homes. The innovative cross-border electricity line, known as LionLink, will be the largest of its kind in the world in terms of capacity, carrying more than four times the amount of electricity as its predecessor, built by Germany and Denmark.

Notably, the LionLink will join the UK and Netherlands to each other and simultaneously to offshore wind farms in the North Sea, making it a multipurpose interconnector.

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps hailed the project, saying that it would boost energy security and independence in Europe.

Developed by National Grid Ventures and TenneT, the LionLink will carry 1.8GW of electricity and will be operational by the early 2030s. The deal kickstarts the development stage of the project, with a final investment decision expected by 2026.

The project builds on the UK’s existing 8.4GW interconnector capacity, and LionLink alone will increase that by up to a fifth, providing more clean and affordable power for UK homes and businesses.

The LionLink will also reduce the need for further onshore construction and visible infrastructure associated with developing future wind farms.

Britain’s world-class innovation, knowledge, and skills within the North Sea energy sector are expected to bring £20 billion a year of investment to the UK’s coastal regions and create 40,000 skilled green jobs in the country.