The world’s largest multi-use electricity power line will be built under the North Sea, delivering enough clean energy to power around 1.8 million homes, the government has said.

The LionLink power line, which is expected to be operational by the early 2030s, will connect the Netherlands and the UK with offshore wind farms. The UK government claims this will make energy more affordable and reduce reliance on Russia for energy supplies.

The cross-border electricity line, which will be developed by National Grid Ventures and TenneT, is the second of its kind in the world, after a similar one was built between Germany and Denmark. According to the government, the LionLink power line will be able to carry four times more the amount of electricity, which makes it the largest in the world when measured by capacity.

The government claims the increased connectivity provided by the project will reduce the need for further onshore construction and infrastructure, which will benefit the North Sea’s wildlife.

“Connecting wind farms to multiple markets simultaneously is a game changer for energy infrastructure and brings us one step closer to realising the enormous green energy potential of the North Sea,” said Ben Wilson, president National Grid Ventures. “Not only can we deploy every spare electron where it is needed most, we can help to reduce the impact of infrastructure on coastal communities.”

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