Three Interconnector schemes are currently proposed in Suffolk by National Grid Ventures. Each is expected to feed into the grid via a connecting substation at Friston. However, Friston has only been consented for Scottish Power Renewable EA1(N) and EA2 windfarms to connect to the grid. The proposed expansion to create an energy super hub for SeaLink, Nautilus and Lionlink to connect, with the associated converter stations at Saxmundham, effectively bypasses the planning process which is wholly unacceptable.
The landscape and visual impacts resulting will harm the East Suffolk countryside and its communities, as well as all those who work in and visit the area. SPS supports the views of all those that call for this onslaught of disjointed schemes to be halted, and to properly investigate an offshore solution as proposed by expert bodies and campaign groups, especially in light of evidence that both the costs associated with such schemes and the urgency of the proposed connection have been overestimated. A strategic and coordinated offshore solution must be the objective of the government’s newly heralded Great British Energy.
Read our representations on the 3 schemes below.
LionLink
A proposed 1.8GW Multi-Purpose Interconnector (MPI) proposal from National Grid Ventures to link between the UK and the Netherlands. Proposed to connect to the grid at Friston. A second non-statutory consultation in Oct 2023 proposed landfall at Walberswick.
SPS responses:
- 2nd non-statutory consultation response – October 2023
- 1st non-statutory consultation response – December 2022
(Lionlink was previously known as Eurolink until the proposals were rebranded in April 2023).
More details on the proposals is available at National Grid Ventures Limited – Lionlink.
Sea Link
A new 2GW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) undersea electricity link between Suffolk and Kent. Land fall has been proposed between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh with connection to the grid at Friston. A converter station will be required at Saxmundham.
SPS responses:
- The DCO has been accepted for Examination. SPS has registered as an Interested Party – June 2025.
- Further consultation due to changes at the proposed Saxmundham converter station site – August 2024
- Statutory consultation response – November 2023
More details on the proposals is available at National Grid Electricity Transmission – Sea Link.
Nautilus
A new 1.4GW Multi-Purpose Interconnector (MPI) between the UK and Belgium. National Grid Ventures considered connection and landfall sites at the Suffolk coast. In May 2023 National Grid Ventures announced connection point was likely to be at the Isle of Grain in Kent, however in May 2024 this approach had changed and we are now expecting the connection point to be at Friston.
SPS strongly objects to the connection of Nautilus at Friston, and instead calls for an offshore
solution to accommodate the extra power flows from the North Sea. East Suffolk’s countryside,
together with the amenity of the many affected communities will be severely impacted in
perpetuity. The failure to consider the very damaging and very real cumulative impacts of this
scheme with other commercial energy schemes is a massive indictment of the current broken
system.