CONSTRUCTION is set to begin on what will be the UK’s largest ever subsea connection project after plans received final approval from Ofgem.
The eastern green link 2 (EGL2) 525kV 2GW subsea connection will be created between Peterhead and Drax on the east coast of England. The energy regulator’s final approval allows construction to get underway later this year, with the connection due to be operational in 2029.
Being delivered as a joint venture by National Grid and SSEN Transmission, EGL2 will include the longest HVDC subsea cable in the UK and is Britain’s single largest electricity project ever.
At a total estimated nominal investment of around £4.3 billion, it is also the largest ever investment in electricity transmission infrastructure in UK and SSEN added it is one of the most significant, strategic investments in energy infrastructure Britain has seen in recent years.
Contracts have now been awarded to deliver the project, including with Prysmian Group to supply around 1,000km of cable and with Hitachi Energy and BAM for the supply of converter stations at either end of the subsea cable.
EGL2 is part of SSEN Transmission’s Pathway to 2030 programme, a £20 billion investment to upgrade the electricity network in the north of Scotland to unlock the country’s renewable energy resources in support of national net zero and energy security targets.
Ricky Saez, EGL2 project director, commented, “Ofgem’s decision to issue its final project assessment decision is a major milestone, and testament to the hard work of our project teams within SSEN Transmission and NGET in getting us to the stage where construction can begin later this year.”
In a separate development, Aberdeenshire Council recently granted final planning approval for a new HVDC converter station to be built near Peterhead, with construction to begin at the site near Boddam later this year.
Ricky continued, “We’re also delighted that Aberdeenshire Council has granted approval for our HVDC converter station near Peterhead, and we’d like to thank the council for their efficient handling of our applications and for their recognition of the importance of the project which will support hundreds of skilled jobs during the construction phase and thousands more across the wider economy.
“Not only will EGL2 will play a major role in bolstering energy security and contributing to net zero targets, it will also provide a lasting legacy in local communities where our teams are already supporting local environmental initiatives that enhance community wellbeing.
“This is a commitment that will continue throughout the lifetime of the project and beyond, as we aim to be a positive force in the communities we operate.”
Sandy Mactaggart, director of offshore delivery for SSEN Transmission, added,“With HVDC technology set to play a leading role in the energy transition, the delivery of EGL2 will build on our significant expertise demonstrated through the success of our Caithness-Moray HVDC link, and the ongoing delivery of our Shetland HVDC link.
“We now look forward to working with our partners in NGET on construction and delivery of this important project, and on future projects including the proposed Eastern Green Link 3 where work is already underway to secure the supply chain.”
