WindGrid Projects Recognised in ENTSO-E's Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2026

WindGrid welcomes the inclusion of two of its projects in the initial project portfolio of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity’s (ENTSO-E) Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) 2026 project portfolio. The inclusion of WindGrid’s projects confirms their strategic value to Europe’s evolving power system.

The two projects are HansaLink, WindGrid’s flagship hybrid interconnector linking Scotland and Germany, and a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) hybrid interconnector between Ireland and Great Britain.

Turning Europe’s electricity vision into action

TYNDP 2026 provides a central planning framework to translate Europe’s vision of a secure, resilient, and climate neutral electricity system into delivery. The portfolio includes 178 transmission projects assessed by ENTSO-E as critical to the development of a resilient, interconnected, and decarbonised European power system. 

All projects in the portfolio will undergo a comprehensive cost benefit analysis during 2026, with the results feeding into future investment, as well as regulatory and policy decisions at EU and national levels. The final list will be published in early 2027.

Strategic relevance confirmed at EU level

HansaLink is a hybrid HVDC interconnector designed to integrate up to 4 GW of offshore wind capacity in phases between Scotland and Germany, while also enabling cross border electricity trading when wind generation does not fully utilise the link. This dual functionality supports more efficient use of offshore infrastructure, improves system flexibility, and enhances security of supply for both countries.

Building on its inclusion in TYNDP 2024, this year’s recognition reaffirms HansaLink’s strategic relevance under updated system scenarios. In addition, HansaLink was named a Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) by the European Commission in December 2025, underlining its role in supporting Europe’s long-term energy transition goals.

Supporting system resilience

The inclusion of an HVDC hybrid interconnector between Ireland and Great Britain reflects the growing importance of HVDC technology in linking independent power systems, strengthening resilience, and facilitating renewable integration. HVDC interconnection plays a critical role in improving system stability and enabling secure power flows over long distances, particularly as variable renewable generation increases across Europe.

WindGrid remains committed to strengthening cross-border energy connectivity to deliver a cleaner and more reliable electricity system. The Elia Group entity looks forward to continued collaboration with partners and stakeholders to turn the shared European vision into reality.