Subsea Electricity Superhighway Under Construction
Construction has officially begun on a cutting-edge subsea electricity superhighway designed to enhance the national grid and support future energy needs. This ambitious project aims to bolster regional development while significantly improving electricity transmission between Scotland and England.
Eastern Green Link 1, a collaborative effort between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, will transmit renewable electricity to approximately two million homes. The project involves laying more than 190 kilometers of undersea cable, connecting the southeast of Scotland to the northeast of England. This initiative represents a major step forward in energy infrastructure, aligning with the UK’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.
The estimated cost of the Eastern Green Link 1 project is £2.5 billion. After receiving regulatory approval from Ofgem in 2023, onshore work has commenced, with offshore construction scheduled to begin in the summer. The project’s implementation includes building converter stations at the cable’s landfall points in Torness, East Lothian, and Hawthorn Pit, County Durham. These stations will transform electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), facilitating efficient long-distance transmission before the power is reconverted and integrated into the grid.
Advanced marine engineering will be employed to lay and secure the cable along the seabed. Specialized vessels will be utilized to ensure the cable’s precise placement and burial, protecting it from environmental and operational hazards. These efforts underscore the project’s technical complexity and the collaboration required between multiple industries to ensure its success.
To mark the project’s commencement, a significant event took place in Torness, attended by key stakeholders, including SP Energy Networks CEO Nicola Connelly, National Grid Electricity Transmission President of Strategic Infrastructure Carl Trowell, and Minister for Housing and East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan. The event highlighted the project’s national importance and its transformative potential for energy security.
A critical component of this project is the establishment of an £8 million community fund, approved by Ofgem. This fund aims to provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to communities near the cable’s landfall points in East Lothian and County Durham. The fund will be officially launched later this year, and its development will involve engagement with local stakeholders to maximize its impact.
Minister for Housing and East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan expressed enthusiasm for the project’s role in positioning East Lothian as a key energy hub in Scotland. He emphasized the initiative’s potential to stimulate local economic growth while reinforcing the UK’s renewable energy ambitions.
SP Energy Networks CEO Nicola Connelly highlighted the growing demand for electricity and the necessity of modernizing the grid. She stated that Eastern Green Link 1 would play a pivotal role in addressing these needs while fostering job creation and supply chain expansion across the UK. Connelly also reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting local communities through targeted funding and long-term economic benefits.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks underscored the national significance of the project, describing it as a crucial step toward making the UK a global leader in clean energy. He noted that the subsea electricity superhighway would facilitate the transmission of renewable energy under the North Sea, contributing to lower electricity bills and enhanced energy security.
National Grid Electricity Transmission President of Strategic Infrastructure Carl Trowell emphasized the unprecedented scale of upcoming electricity infrastructure projects. He highlighted the role of collaborative, large-scale developments in achieving energy security, meeting future demand, and delivering cleaner power.
In the coming weeks, project teams from Eastern Green Link 1 will engage with local communities to shape the allocation of the community fund. This initiative aims to ensure that the funding addresses local priorities and maximizes its positive impact. Updates and additional details will be made available through the Eastern Green Link 1 website.
In December 2023, SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission announced the selection of Prysmian to manufacture and supply nearly 400 kilometers of power cable required for the 190-kilometer route. Additionally, GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business and METLEN Energy & Metals have been appointed to construct the two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations. These partnerships reinforce the project’s commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology and industry expertise.
SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission have a track record of successful collaboration, notably with the Western Link project. This existing subsea transmission cable, which connects Hunterston in Scotland to Connah’s Quay in Wales, has been operational since 2017. Over its first five years, the Western Link facilitated the transmission of over 30,000 GWh of electricity, enough to power all homes in Wales for the same period. The experience gained from Western Link will be invaluable in ensuring the successful delivery of Eastern Green Link 1.
The Eastern Green Link 1 project represents a transformative leap in the UK’s energy infrastructure, facilitating the transition to renewable energy while strengthening grid reliability. As construction progresses, this initiative is expected to play a crucial role in the broader strategy of achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing the sustainability of the national energy network.
