Sea Link approved: 130km power cable between Suffolk and Kent gets the go-ahead

31st October 2026

The government has approved Sea Link, National Grid’s 130km undersea power cable between Suffolk and Kent, despite strong objections from councils and wildlife groups. Work is expected to start next year.

⚡ Sea Link at a glance
📏 130km, mostly under the sea
🔌 2 gigawatts, enough to power about two million homes
📍 From the Suffolk coast between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness to Pegwell Bay in Kent
🏗️ Construction from 2027, running until 2031

What was decided

Consent was granted on Friday 30 October by Baroness Curran on behalf of the energy secretary. Sumitomo Electric will build the subsea cable in Scotland, and Siemens Energy will build converter stations in both counties. National Grid will set up a £1.06m community fund, though how it will be used has not been made clear.

“An important step forward.”Adrian Pierssene, Sea Link project director at National Grid

National Grid says the link will help deliver secure, home-grown power and move electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed.

Why people object

The cable comes ashore at two protected nature sites: the RSPB’s North Warren reserve in Suffolk and the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve in Kent, which is run by Kent Wildlife Trust. Campaigners say the work will damage important habitats, and a large converter station is planned at Minster Marshes in Kent.

Suffolk County Council said it was “deeply disappointed” that local voices had been disregarded. Councillor Richard Rout, who led the council’s response, called the decision “a hammer blow for communities in East Suffolk”.