Sea Link Community Fund
National Grid has a long-standing commitment to the communities we work alongside, and we want to ensure lasting benefits for the people and places that host our infrastructure.
If Sea Link is approved, we will deliver a Kent Community Fund of around £1.06 million, and a Suffolk Community Fund of £1.06 million.
Shaped by the community, for the community, these funds will be designed to reflect local needs and developed in line with government guidance.
By taking part in our short survey, you'll help us understand what's most important to you and how the funding can make a positive, lasting impact.
The survey will close on 5 August 2026, after which all feedback will be reviewed. Your feedback will help shape how the fund is designed and delivered, including the types of projects and initiatives it could support.
Latest update
On 30 July 2026, the Examining Authority submitted their Recommendation report to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero now has three months to review the report and make a decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent. The Decision is expected by 30 October 2026.
About Sea Link
Sea Link is a proposed new 138 km primarily offshore high voltage electricity link between Kent and Suffolk.
Sea Link is a key part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. It will help provide homes and businesses with secure, cleaner, home-grown British energy from more affordable sources.
With demand for energy set to double by 2050, Sea Link will carry energy between Kent and Suffolk in either direction to where it is needed, whilst avoiding existing bottlenecks on the network around London.
Why we need to build Sea Link
The existing electricity network in both Kent and Suffolk needs upgrading. This is because the UK’s electricity grid was originally built in the 1960s to connect electricity generated in power stations from fossil fuels, such as coal, from the North and Midlands of England and South Wales.
As the UK moves away from fossil fuels and increases clean energy generation, which is largely offshore, we need to connect electricity in new places.
Demand for electricity is also expected to increase by 50% by 2035, and double by 2050, as we decarbonise the energy that’s used for things like heating and transport.
Therefore, significant new infrastructure is needed to connect this clean energy from where it’s now generated to homes and businesses.
The project programme
2022 - 2024
Pre-application public consultations
March 2025
Submission of application for development consent
2025 - 2026
Examination of application for development consent
Late 2026
Decision expected on application
2027-2031
Construction works (if the project is approved)
Contact the team
If you have any questions or comments about Sea Link, please get in touch by emailing [email protected], by calling 0808 134 9569 or by writing to Freepost SEA LINK.
Sea Link is just one of several electricity network reinforcements that are needed to ensure the electricity transmission network is fit for the future. To read more about he Great Grid Upgrade, please click below.
The Great Grid Upgrade
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