Work has begun on a new 475-mile electricity cable that will link the UK with Denmark and share renewable electricity from sources such as solar and wind.

National Grid has kicked off construction on the $2.3 billion project in Lincolnshire. The high-voltage cable interconnector will be the longest of its kind in the world when it is finished.

The so-called 'Viking Link' will run under the sea to South Jutland and allow the two nations to share clean energy once it is completed in 2023. It is expected to have a supply capacity equivalent to 1.5 million homes.

The link will also play an important strategic link in the UK's drive to move away from polluting fossil fuels for good and to become a net-carbon zero economy by 2050.

By 2030, National Grid will import 90% of its electricity from zero-carbon sources.

The initial groundwork for the project has been completed, and the first stage of the project is now moving ahead to build an access road for traffic to the Bicker Fen converter station. Siemens Energy will be building the converter stations and access road, which will take nine months to complete and be suitable for major construction traffic, as well as for later operational vehicles.

The hope is that the project will also provide vital green economy jobs for skilled workers in Lincolnshire and allow the county to take a key role in driving Britain's clean energy agenda forwards. By allowing Britain and Denmark to share green energy on a supply and demand basis, the countries will ensure their energy security of supply and cut emissions.

The model will also provide a best-practice case study for other parts of the world considering such moves and position the UK for commercial work in the field.