Construction Begins on Eastern Green Link 1, a Subsea Electricity Superhighway to Power Two Million Homes

Construction underway on subsea electricity superhighway

(IN BRIEF) The Eastern Green Link 1 project, a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, has begun construction on a subsea electricity cable that will provide green power to two million homes. This £2.5 billion project aims to modernize the UK’s energy infrastructure while supporting local communities. The initiative includes a substantial £8 million fund for regional social, economic, and environmental benefits.

(PRESS RELEASE) BILBAO, 14-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The construction of a groundbreaking subsea electricity superhighway has officially commenced, marking a major step forward in expanding the UK’s energy grid. The Eastern Green Link 1, a joint initiative between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, will provide green electricity to two million homes. The 190km subsea cable, primarily running beneath the North Sea, will link the southeast of Scotland with northeast England, contributing to the UK’s future energy needs.

With an investment of £2.5 billion, the project received approval from Ofgem last year, and work is now underway. The offshore construction phase is expected to begin in the summer. At the two landfall points, Torness in East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, converter stations will be constructed to facilitate efficient energy transfer by converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Specialist boats will lay the cable along the seabed, which will then be connected to the national grid.

The launch event, which took place today in Torness, saw key figures such as SP Energy Networks CEO Nicola Connelly, National Grid Electricity Transmission President Carl Trowell, and Minister for Housing and East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan in attendance. The officials confirmed that a fund of £8 million, backed by Ofgem, has been approved to provide social, environmental, and economic support to communities hosting the vital infrastructure.

Paul McLennan emphasized the role of East Lothian as a key energy hub and reiterated the significant benefits this project will bring to both the region and the country. He also noted the importance of fostering collaboration to maximize job opportunities and ensure the fund delivers substantial benefits to local communities.

Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, highlighted the transformative potential of the Eastern Green Link 1 project, stressing that the growing demand for electricity calls for an upgraded grid. She emphasized that the project would contribute to economic growth and provide long-term social value while fostering collaboration between local communities and industry partners.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks pointed out that the subsea electricity superhighway is a crucial part of the UK’s energy infrastructure upgrade. He stated that the project would help Britain achieve its goal of becoming a clean energy superpower while providing more affordable and secure energy.

Carl Trowell, President of National Grid Electricity Transmission, discussed the monumental scale of the electricity projects currently underway in the UK. These efforts will address future energy demand and contribute to cleaner power and lower consumer bills. He expressed confidence that the collaboration between key industry players and local communities would foster lasting, positive changes.

In the coming weeks, the Eastern Green Link 1 team will meet with local stakeholders to ensure the project’s funding aligns with regional needs. The selected contractor, Prysmian, will deliver nearly 400km of power cable for the project, while GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions and METLEN Energy & Metals will construct the necessary converter stations.

This project is part of a larger effort by SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, who have already successfully launched the Western Link, one of the world’s highest capacity subsea cables. Together, these projects will help to pave the way for a greener, more secure energy future for the UK.

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SOURCE: Iberdrola