Prysmian has secured a landmark £2bn ($2.7bn) contract to supply the essential cabling for Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4). This project entails a massive subsea electricity superhighway.

Developed through a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Energy Networks, this project is a cornerstone of Britain’s strategy to expand its power grid and combat climate change. The link will connect Fife in Scotland to Norfolk in England, providing a high-capacity route for clean energy to flow where it is needed most.

Scope of the Project

The scale of the engineering involved is significant. The agreement covers over 640km of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable, with 530km laid beneath the sea and another 116km running underground. By utilizing HVDC technology, the project ensures maximum efficiency for long-distance transmission, making it easier to integrate renewable power sources into the national grid. Once completed in 2033, EGL4 will be capable of transmitting up to 2GW of electricity. This is enough to power more than 1.5 million homes with clean and sustainable energy.

This project is part of a broader effort to reinforce the UK’s east coast energy infrastructure. National Grid project director James Goode highlighted that EGL4 is “critical” for moving large volumes of affordable, home-grown energy efficiently and at scale. This partnership builds on Prysmian’s existing relationship with National Grid, as the company is also providing cabling for the Eastern Green Link 1 project currently under construction between Torness and Hawthorn Pit.

Planning Timeline

Looking ahead, the development team expects to submit formal planning applications in both Scotland and England in 2026. If approved by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, construction is slated to begin in 2029. This long-term investment represents a major step toward a more secure and greener energy future for consumers across Britain.

The subsea cable makes “landfall” at Anderby Creek, Lincolnshire, before running underground to Norfolk.

Eastern Green Link  4 Project Factsheet

Capacity: 2GW

Total Cable Length: Over 640 km

Route and Infrastructure

• Northern Terminus (Scotland): Fife.
• A new converter station will be located at Westfield (near Ballingry).
• The subsea cable makes “landfall” at Kinghorn.
• Southern Terminus (England): Norfolk.
• A new converter station will be built near Walpole.

Developers: Joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Energy Networks (a subsidiary of ScottishPower).

Main Cable Supplier: Prysmian

Converter Stations: Siemens Energy

Timeline

• 2024–2025: Public consultations and technical assessments.
• 2026: Submission of formal planning applications.
• 2029: Expected commencement of construction.
• 2033–2034: Targeted completion and operational date.