National Grid has confirmed a partnership with TenneT Germany to develop a new interconnector between the UK and Germany.
The proposed scheme, known as GriffinLink, is being developed as a ‘multi-purpose interconnector’ (MPI) – a hybrid connection intended to both transmit electricity between countries and integrate offshore wind into multiple national grids. National Grid and TenneT say the approach could support security of supply and help make better use of offshore wind resources in the North Sea.
The announcement comes as North Sea countries look to move from ambition to delivery on cross-border offshore wind. At the same conference that National Grid and TenneT Germany announced their partnership, the UK and nine European partners backed 100 GW of joint North Sea offshore wind projects through the Hamburg Declaration. It’s likely that GriffinLink will form part of that venture.
While the plans are still in the early stages, if progressed, GriffinLink would aim to simultaneously connect up to 2GW of offshore wind between Great Britain and Germany, with it being the first project of its kind in Europe. For now, the two companies are committed to working together to flesh out the proposals, with both aiming to potentially be operational by the late 2030s.
Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, noted, “We are proud to work with TenneT Germany on this groundbreaking project that will enhance the diversity and flexibility in our energy systems.
“MPIs like GriffinLink are important for maximising the efficient use of resources, reducing costs, and minimising the impact on coastal communities. Projects like this are vital to delivering a more coordinated, offshore grid. We now need to see the frameworks to make this happen developed and deployed at pace.”
Tim Meyerjürgens, CEO of TenneT Germany, added, “GriffinLink is the first project of its kind in Europe and will be a major milestone in cross-border energy security. As one of the largest offshore transmission system operators, we at TenneT Germany have been resolutely driving this development forward for years.
“Together with our partner National Grid, we are demonstrating how we can think beyond national borders and connect offshore wind farms in such a way that a meshed European energy system can be created. Instead of isolated individual projects, we will see more and more hybrid, cross-border connections in the future, and we need clear political framework conditions to achieve this. This is the key to a secure, efficient and independent energy future for Europe. We are ready to work together to realise the North Sea power plant.”
What’s the difference between a multi-purpose interconnector and a standard interconnector?
Interconnectors typically move electricity between two countries to help balance supply and demand. The UK already has quite a number of those, with nine currently operational – three of which connect the UK with France – as well as a further six approved by Ofgem. Amongst those six approvals are the first two interconnectors that will connect the UK with Germany directly.
GriffinLink is a little different to those interconnectors, however. That’s because as a ‘multi-purpose’ interconnector it combines cross-border trading with offshore wind connections, allowing power generated offshore to be shared more directly across multiple grids.
National Grid and TenneT argue that cross-border hybrid connections can help get renewable electricity to where it is needed, while reducing the need for duplicated onshore reinforcement and multiple separate landing points. In their announcement, the partners said the integrated approach could deliver three broad benefits:
- Better utilisation of the grids and more efficient use of renewable energy across national borders;
- Lower costs and reduced supply-chain materials requirements; and
- A reduced impact on coastal communities and the environment.
That last point is likely to become more contentious over time, as coastal regions face a rising number of cable landfalls, converter stations and associated construction activity linked to the offshore wind buildout – even where the strategic case is strong.
