The UK power transmission system operator (TSO) National Grid has signed two contracts for the Sea Link project, a 140 km subsea electricity connection between the British counties of Kent and Suffolk (United Kingdom) (National Grid press release, 11/12/2025). The contracts were signed with Siemens Energy to build the project’s converter stations and with Sumitomo Electric Industries supply the high-voltage cables. Both companies were selected on a competitive procurement process.
The Sea Link is a proposed 2 GW HVDC project, which is currently seeking planning consent, and it is expected to start its construction phase in 2027. The project is aligned with National Grid’s “Great Grid Upgrade” which aims to transform how the country is powered while fuelling growth in manufacturing and pushing for a resilient domestic skills base. The UK forecasts electricity demand to at least double by 2050.