Workers have officially broken ground on Eastern Green Link 1, a £2.5 billion electric subsea superhighway that will connect the north-east of England with the south-east of Scotland. The project was formed through a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission. It aims to transport green electricity for two million homes across over 190 kilometers of cable that will be predominantly undersea. Furthermore, there will be two converter power stations that will be constructed at the cable’s two landfall points at Torness, Hawthorn Pit and East Lothian in County Durham.
Also Read Spaceport 1 Breaks ground in North Uist, Scotland
More on the Eastern Green Link 1 construction process
The ambitious project was greenlit last year in November by Ofgem, the energy watchdogs in the country. Workers have since begun working this week on the onshore part of the project. Offshore construction is expected to begin in the summer. What’s more, the converter stations constructed will be used to change the electricity from alternating to direct current. This is the most efficient way for it to travel long distances. Modified boats will be used to lay the cable across the seabed and bury it throughout the route before it is connected to the grid.
Project Overview
Location: South-east Scotland and North-east England
Project cost: £2.5 billion
Project capacity: 2 GW
Completion date: 2029
“This new electric superhighway will help us on our way by transporting more renewable energy under the North Sea to power millions of homes and businesses. In addition, it will support skilled jobs in our industrial heartlands and save bill payers hundreds of millions of pounds. It forms part of our once in a generation upgrade to Britain’s energy infrastructure. Moreover, it uses some of the most advanced subsea technology in the world,” said Michael Shanks, the UK Energy Minister.
Also Read Development of Scotland’s largest renewable energy hub well on course
