Sea Link cable project approved by government

A major new undersea electricity cable linking Kent and Suffolk has been approved by the government.

The Sea Link project will help carry electricity generated by offshore wind farms, interconnectors and nuclear power stations to strengthen the grid.

The 138km cable will run beneath the North Sea between Pegwell Bay in Kent and the Suffolk coast near Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

Conservationists have raised concerns that the plans could impact wildlife, sensitive coastal habitats and the wider landscape.

National Grid said the scheme would be capable of carrying enough electricity to power the equivalent of two million homes.

The project is designed to transport up to 2GW of low-carbon electricity from where it is generated to homes and businesses elsewhere in the country.

The government said the scheme would help ease pressure on the electricity network and reduce the need to pay generators to switch off power that cannot be carried on the grid.

It said the project would support efforts to improve energy security and cut reliance on fossil fuels.

Kent Wildlife Trust said it was "deeply disappointed" by the decision.

"We recognise the need to upgrade the electricity network to support the transition to a low-carbon future," a spokesperson said.

"However, there is a profound irony in destroying or degrading the very natural habitats that help us tackle climate change and protect us from its impacts."

The Planning Inspectorate said it had listened to local views and fully considered the evidence gathered before making its recommendation.

Kent Wildlife Trust said it would "continue to challenge the project and hold those responsible to account".

"We owe it to future generations to ensure that the consequences of this decision are not overlooked."

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