LONDON, Feb. 19, 2025 — Construction has commenced on a £2.5 billion subsea electricity superhighway that will link Scotland and England, providing power to two million homes across the UK. The project, known as Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1), is being developed through a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid, following regulatory approval from Ofgem last year.
A 190-Kilometre Energy Corridor
The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable will extend over 190 kilometres, running predominantly under the North Sea to connect Torness in East Lothian, Scotland, to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, England. The ambitious infrastructure upgrade is a key component of Britain’s transition to renewable energy, aiming to enhance energy security and facilitate the integration of offshore wind and other clean energy sources into the national grid.
Onshore Construction Underway, Offshore Work to Begin in Summer
While onshore construction is already in progress, offshore installation of the subsea cables is scheduled to begin this summer. The project will employ advanced subsea technology to ensure minimal disruption to marine ecosystems while enhancing energy transmission efficiency.
£8 Million Fund for Local Communities
Recognizing the impact on communities where the infrastructure makes landfall, the UK energy regulator Ofgem has approved an £8 million community support fund. The funding will be directed toward social, environmental, and economic initiatives in East Lothian and County Durham, ensuring local benefits from the massive energy infrastructure upgrade.
Government Endorsement and Industry Impact
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks praised the project as a crucial step toward making Britain a global leader in clean energy.
“Today’s announcement brings us closer to achieving our mission of transforming Britain into a clean energy superpower while creating a more secure and cost-effective energy system,” said Shanks. “This electric superhighway will not only power millions of homes and businesses but also support skilled jobs in our industrial heartlands and deliver significant cost savings to consumers.”
The EGL1 project is part of a broader once-in-a-generation upgrade to Britain’s energy infrastructure. By leveraging state-of-the-art subsea technology, the initiative aims to create a more resilient and interconnected power network while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and boosting the UK’s renewable energy capacity.
Future Expansion of Green Energy Links
Eastern Green Link 1 is one of several major electricity transmission projects under development to strengthen the UK’s energy grid. Its counterpart, Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), is expected to further enhance the capacity for cross-border power transmission.
With the UK’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, these large-scale infrastructure projects are seen as essential to securing a sustainable energy future.
