High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Links in the UK
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) infrastructure has become a cornerstone of the UK's energy strategy, playing a pivotal role in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. These advanced transmission systems enable the efficient, long-distance transport of electricity—particularly from offshore renewables—and enhance grid stability both domestically and across international borders.
In 2025, with multiple new HVDC projects underway and more on the horizon, the UK is strengthening its position as a European leader in grid interconnectivity and renewable energy integration.
🔌 1. Primary Functions of HVDC Links in the UK
A. Grid Interconnection (Domestic & International)
HVDC links connect distant parts of the UK power grid, as well as the UK to other countries. These links bridge electrical systems across geographic and political boundaries, ensuring resilience and redundancy in energy supply.
B. Renewable Energy Integration
HVDC is a key enabler for offshore wind farms, especially in remote regions like the North Sea and Shetland Islands. By connecting these clean energy sources directly to high-demand centres, HVDC facilitates efficient green power delivery with minimal loss.
C. Balancing Grid Supply & Demand
HVDC systems allow real-time load balancing across regions and countries, enabling excess generation (e.g., during peak wind production) to be exported or stored elsewhere, reducing curtailment and enhancing system efficiency.
🌍 2. Key HVDC Projects: Existing, Active & Planned (as of 2025)
✅ Operational HVDC Links
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Western Link (UK internal): 420 km subsea link between Hunterston (Scotland) and Deeside (Wales) – 2,250 MW capacity.
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Moyle Interconnector: Links Northern Ireland with Scotland – 500 MW.
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ElecLink: Subsea link through the Channel Tunnel – connects UK and France – 1,000 MW.
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BritNed: 260 km interconnector between UK and the Netherlands – 1,000 MW.
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Viking Link (commissioned in 2024): World’s longest HVDC interconnector – 765 km between Lincolnshire (UK) and Jutland (Denmark), delivering 1,400 MW.
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Caithness-Moray Link: Connects renewable-heavy northern Scotland to the mainland grid – 1,200 MW.
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Shetland HVDC Link (under commissioning in 2025): Critical for integrating Shetland’s wind resources into the UK grid – 600 MW.
🚧 Under Development or Recently Announced
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NeuConnect (expected operational by 2027): 725 km link between Kent (UK) and Wilhelmshaven (Germany) – 1,400 MW.
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LionLink (announced in 2023, targeting 2030): Multi-purpose interconnector between the UK and the Netherlands, enabling offshore wind sharing and power exchange – could exceed 1,800 MW.
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Greenlink: Linking Wales with Ireland – 500 MW capacity.
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Eastern Green Links (EGL1 & EGL2): Two new HVDC projects linking Scotland to England, supporting offshore wind transmission from the North Sea.
🌱 3. Benefits of HVDC for the UK Energy System
🔋 A. Scaling Renewable Energy
HVDC enables the full potential of the UK’s offshore wind and marine energy assets to be realised by delivering power to population centres with minimal loss and maximum control.
🌐 B. Enhanced Energy Security
By connecting to multiple European countries, the UK can import/export electricity in response to demand, outages, or price fluctuations—strengthening its resilience in the face of energy shocks.
💷 C. Cost Optimisation
Access to cheaper energy from neighbouring grids during high-demand periods can reduce wholesale electricity costs and help stabilise consumer prices.
🌎 D. Lower Carbon Emissions
Efficient HVDC transmission reduces the need for carbon-intensive peaking plants and supports the phasing out of fossil fuels, enabling net-zero targets.
⚙️ 4. HVDC Technology: Smarter, Cleaner Transmission
⚡ HVDC vs HVAC
While traditional HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current) is used for shorter-range transmission, HVDC is the preferred choice for long distances, submarine cables, and intercontinental links due to its lower losses and higher stability.
🏗️ Converter Stations
Every HVDC system uses converter stations at both ends to convert electricity between AC (used in most power systems) and DC (used in transmission). These stations now use modular, compact, and highly efficient VSC (Voltage Source Converter) technology.
🧠 Smart Grid Integration
Modern HVDC systems are increasingly integrated with digital control systems and AI-driven energy balancing tools, enabling better visibility and responsiveness across borders.
🔌 Multi-Purpose Interconnectors (MPIs)
Emerging projects like LionLink will serve dual roles: connecting national grids and offshore wind farms. This new generation of HVDC supports more flexible and shared infrastructure models across Europe.
📈 Future Outlook: The Backbone of Net Zero
The UK government’s Net Zero Strategy and National Grid’s Pathway to 2035 both identify HVDC as essential infrastructure. As offshore wind capacity grows toward 50 GW+ by 2035, HVDC systems will form the digital and physical backbone of a modern, decarbonised, pan-European supergrid.
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