The project, a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, will significantly boost the capacity of the UK's electricity network. The new cable will be capable of powering 2 million homes and will facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly offshore wind farms.
The project will involve the construction of two high-voltage direct current converter stations, one in Torness and one in Hawthorn Pit, to enable the efficient transmission of electricity over long distances.
Pearse Murray, SP Transmission Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "Getting today's go ahead for this critical green electricity superhighway is an important milestone. We look forward to developing this transformative infrastructure project, but given its technically complex and innovative nature other critical decisions remain to be taken and we continue to engage with Ofgem on these.
"This offshore link will transport enough electricity for 2 million homes alone and with three more links expected, the east coast could see electricity for over 8 million homes transported under the sea making a significant difference to the UK's economic and climate ambitions.
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"There is a huge pipeline of offshore wind projects waiting to be built, providing the UK with green, renewable electricity, these links will ensure the renewable energy generated doesn't go to waste."
Zac Richardson, Offshore Delivery Director for National Grid said: "Ofgem's announcement is another critical milestone to support net zero and energy security ambitions. We now look forward to delivering supply chain contracts, jobs, and skills, and helping to fulfil the government's ambition for the UK to be a clean energy superpower."
Around £1.8bn of contracts have been awarded to deliver the project, including £750m with Prysmian Group to deliver the UK's first 525kV HVDC electricity transmission cable. The consortium of GE Vernova and Metlen Energy & Metals have been awarded a £1bn contract to supply and construct two HVDC convertor stations, one at each end of the link.
The contracts are expected to bring a major economic boost to the UK during construction with significant works and components to be provided by UK based industries, including Staffordshire based GE Vernova's providing the HVDC converter station equipment.
Construction work is expected to begin on the Eastern Green Link 1 project onshore in Spring 2025 with offshore works commencing in Summer 2025.
The offshore wind pipeline on the east coast has also been given a boost following the news that Branxton substation has been given consent. The 400kV substation will be built in Branxton, East Lothian and will connect both the Eastern Green Link 1 project and provide the connection for a proposed offshore windfarm in the area. Work on the substation is set to begin in 2025.
SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission already own and operate the Western Link, the world's highest capacity subsea cable and one of the longest, connecting Hunterston in Scotland to Connah's Quay in Wales. Operational since 2017, the link supported over 450 jobs during planning and development and has transmitted over 30,000GWh of electricity during its first five years of operation – enough to power all the homes in Wales for the same period.
