Consent granted on 30 October

Development consent has been granted for Sea Link, National Grid's electricity link between Kent and Suffolk. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced the decision on Friday 30 October, after an examination in which the public and statutory consultees were able to give evidence. The Examining Authority made its recommendation to the Secretary of State on 30 July 2026.

What the project involves

The project includes a new converter station near the proposed Friston substation in Suffolk, underground cables to the coast, and an offshore high-voltage cable of about 130 kilometres linking the Suffolk coast with Pegwell Bay in Kent. National Grid describes Sea Link as a mainly offshore link intended to strengthen Great Britain's electricity network.

Wildlife concerns and next scrutiny

Kent Wildlife Trust said it was deeply disappointed by the approval. The charity, which owns and manages parts of the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, warned about disturbance to internationally important bird populations and damage to saltmarsh. It said scrutiny must continue to ensure environmental commitments are delivered, monitored and enforced.

The application was submitted by National Grid Electricity Transmission on 27 March 2025 and accepted for examination on 23 April 2025. The government said this was the 118th energy application out of 186 examined to date to be completed within the statutory timescale under the Planning Act 2008. National Grid had previously said it would deliver a Kent Community Fund of about £1.06 million and a Suffolk Community Fund of about £1.06 million if Sea Link was approved.

Sources: GOV.UK | Kent Wildlife Trust | National Grid