Construction has commenced on Eastern Green Link 1(EGL1), a major subsea electricity interconnector that will transport renewable energy between Scotland and England.

The £2.5 billion project, a joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, will see over 190km of undersea cable laid between Torness in East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham.

"I'm thrilled to be here in my constituency, East Lothian, today, marking the beginning of construction on the subsea electricity superhighway," said Minister for Housing and MSP for East Lothian, Paul McLennan. "This project will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security and delivering significant economic and social benefits to the region."

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An £8 million fund has been established to support communities in East Lothian and County Durham, recognising the significant role they will play in hosting this critical energy infrastructure.

"Electricity supports every part of our day-to-day lives and with demand set to double we now need the grid to match," said Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks. "Eastern Green Link 1 will play a transformative role in delivering the modern electricity network needed for the future."

The project is expected to significantly enhance energy security and contribute to the UK's transition to a net-zero carbon economy.