​The world's most extensive undersea power cable, the £1.7 billion Viking Link interconnector, has been activated, spanning an incredible 475 miles, from Denmark to the substation at Bicker Fen, near Boston, Lincolnshire.

Operated by National Grid, the interconnector is poised to supply cost-effective electricity to the United Kingdom, potentially powering as many as 2.5 million homes. President of National Grid Ventures, Katie Jackson, hailed the project as a remarkable feat of engineering and collaboration.

In her statement, Jackson emphasised the significance of such connections to neighbouring countries as the UK continues to increase the use of wind power in order to meet energy security and climate objectives. She highlighted the pivotal role these interconnectors play in improving the security of supply and also in lowering prices for consumers. The Viking Link, extending further than any existing links, establishes a crucial link between the UK and Denmark, tapping into green and clean Danish energy. Jackson noted that this would not only improve the security of supply but also yield substantial cost savings and carbon savings for consumers in the UK.

The cable laying project began in 2019 and represents the sixth interconnector linking the UK to Europe. A specially designed ship laid the cable below the seabed, and when it reaches Sutton-on-Seas, it extends a further 42 miles to connect with the Bicker Fen substation, where it integrates with the national grid.

National Grid anticipates that in the next ten years, its interconnectors will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by approximately 100 million tonnes. An impressive ninety per cent of the energy imported by these cables is expected to be derived from zero-carbon energy sources by 2030, marking a significant step toward sustainability and cleaner energy for the UK.