National Grid wins planning consent for Sea Link, with construction expected in 2027

National Grid (London: NG.) received development consent for Sea Link on 30 October 2026, clearing a major planning step for its electricity connection between Suffolk and Kent.

The project includes a 138 km high-voltage link, largely offshore, and converter stations in both counties. National Grid expects construction to start in early 2027, subject to detailed planning, with completion targeted for 2031.

Siemens Energy will build the converter stations. Sumitomo Electric will manufacture the subsea cable at its new £350 million factory in Scotland. That figure is the cable factory's investment, not Sea Link's total project cost.

For National Grid, consent moves another part of its network expansion programme toward delivery. The next milestones are construction planning and execution; approval does not mean the link is already operating.

Source: National Grid announcement, 30 October 2026