WORK is now underway on the construction of a £2.5 billion subsea electricity superhighway between Scotland and England.
Eastern Green Link 1, a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, will transport green electricity for two million homes over 190km of predominantly undersea cables linking the south-east of Scotland with the north-east of England.
The project was given the green light by Ofgem last year and onshore works are now underway with offshore construction due to start in the summer. The cable will have two landfall points at Torness in East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham.
Two converter stations will be built at each location to change the electricity from alternating to direct current – which is the most efficient way for it to travel long distances. Once built, specialist boats will then be used to lay the cable across the seabed and bury it throughout the route before connecting it to the grid.
In Torness, SP Energy Networks CEO, Nicola Connelly and National Grid Electricity Transmission president of strategic infrastructure, Carl Trowell, were joined by minister for housing and MSP for East Lothian, Paul McLennan, to mark construction getting underway.
They confirmed a £8 million fund has been approved by Ofgem to support communities and deliver social, environmental and economic benefits where the cable meets land in East Lothian and County Durham. Set to open later this year, the fund recognises the important contribution communities in will play in hosting vital energy infrastructure and strengthening energy security.
Minister for housing and MSP for East Lothian, Paul McLennan, said, “I’m thrilled to be here in my constituency, East Lothian, today, marking the beginning of construction on the subsea electricity superhighway.
“As a key energy hub, East Lothian is at the heart of Scotland’s renewable growth, driving economic opportunities for both the region and the country.
“The £2.5 billion joint investment from SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission highlights their dedication to enhancing energy security while delivering significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to local communities hosting this vital infrastructure.
“I look forward to ongoing collaboration as the project advances and am eager to work with both organisations to advance local job opportunities and ensure the funds bring real benefits to East Lothian communities.”
Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, added, “Electricity supports every part of our day-to-day lives and with demand set to double we now need the grid to match.
“Eastern Green Link 1 will play a transformative role in delivering the modern electricity network needed for the future. At the same time, it will deliver economic growth, jobs and a supply chain boost right across the UK but importantly also for the communities hosting this vital infrastructure.
“Together with our partners at National Grid Electricity Transmission we will support our local communities with projects that matter to them and deliver long term social value and direct benefits for years to come.”
