Great Britain / Germany: National Grid and TenneT Germany have announced plans to jointly develop GriffinLink, a proposed multi-purpose interconnector designed to connect offshore wind generation in Great Britain and Germany to both electricity systems. The cooperation was announced at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg.

GriffinLink is intended to support energy security and improve the integration of offshore wind by combining cross-border electricity trading with direct wind connections. The project reflects a coordinated approach to offshore infrastructure and supply chains in northwestern Europe.

As a hybrid interconnector, GriffinLink would allow electricity generated by offshore wind farms to be delivered to where it is most needed, rather than being limited to a single national grid. The partners say this approach could improve grid utilisation, reduce the amount of infrastructure required, and limit environmental and coastal impacts compared with multiple separate connections.

If developed, GriffinLink would be the first multi-purpose interconnector of its kind in Europe. It could connect up to 2 GW of offshore wind capacity between the British and German systems, contributing to market integration and security of supply.

The project would build on National Grid’s existing 7.8 GW interconnector portfolio and TenneT Germany’s 23 GW of interconnector capacity. Both companies have experience in developing and operating cross-border electricity links.

Initial onshore and offshore studies are expected to begin in the coming years. Further work will focus on assessing technical options, developing a business case, and evaluating wider socio-economic costs and benefits. Any construction would be subject to a final investment decision.

The partners anticipate that GriffinLink could become operational in the late 2030s, supporting rising electricity demand linked to electrification, data centres and digital infrastructure.

Source: National Grid

🌍 Dive into more news on offshore wind interconnectors

#cross-border electricity#Great Britain. Germany#GriffinLink#interconnectors#National Grid#offshore wind#Tennet

Hydro-Québec breaker failure left over 20,000 customers without power with substation set for replacement only by 2029.

Governor Hochul targets a massive nuclear expansion through a 4 GW regulatory push and SMR technology to secure New York’s zero-emissions power grid by 2040.

New EU regulations banning SF6 in medium-voltage switchgear up to 24 kV trigger a shift towards sustainable insulation and upgraded grid resilience.