Our views on LionLink and Sea Link
Lionlink is a proposed 1.8GW inter-connector between Suffolk, the Netherlands and Dutch offshore wind farms. Sea Link is a proposed 2GW interconnector between Suffolk and Kent.
Both initiatives are proposed to make landfall on the East Suffolk coast – most likely between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, (although other options from Sizewell north to Southwold are also under consideration). From the coast, cables will be laid underground to a converter station, for which up to four sites are under consideration. Further underground cables will lead from the converter stations to a substation connecting to the grid.
Both developers are assuming that the connection to the grid will be at the Friston site proposed by Scottish Power, in spite of this being subject to legal challenge, as it is currently a green field site
Interconnectors such as LionLink are needed to provide flexibility and security of supply to the UK electricity system as it decarbonises. Sea Link is needed (the developer says), to take excess power coming on shore on the East Coast from North Sea wind farms to London and the Southeast where it is needed. Arguably, it might not be needed if more of the North Sea wind power connected onshore further south in the first place.
Green Party policy on LionLink and Sea Link
We still need more information, and our position will depend on whether or not the plans at Friston go ahead.
We support the development of a Modular Offshore Grid with a single brownfield onshore connection closer to London and the South (which needs the extra power), as this is happening all along the East Anglian coast and multiple communities are affected. We are pleased that East Suffolk Council is now taking a more proactive stance in representing the views of local residents, defending valued landscapes and protecting the tourism economy.
While the legal challenge to Friston continues:
- We continue to oppose the siting of a substation at Friston.
- We oppose (as a consequence) the landfall of LionLink and Sea Link on the East Suffolk coast.