A critical new energy infrastructure project, the Western Link 2, is moving forward with the launch of its first public consultation by SP Energy Networks (SPEN), in partnership with National Grid Electricity Transmission.

The massive High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea electrical link is designed to significantly boost the UK's capacity for transmitting clean, renewable energy.

Western Link 2 will connect Ayrshire in Scotland with the transmission network in Wales. It will transmit approximately 2GW (Gigawatts) of clean power at 525kV (525,000 volts), marking the latest in a series of offshore HVDC projects planned to strengthen the national grid.

The public consultation will begin on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 and run until Friday, 28 November 2025. Events are planned in Kilmarnock, Girvan, and Monkton to give local people the opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share their views.

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Claire Duffy, SP Energy Networks Environmental Planner, stressed the project's importance: "Scotland is generating more clean, green energy than ever before - and Western Link 2 is a vital opportunity to make sure that power reaches the homes, schools, and businesses that need it, both here and across the UK."

The first round of consultation is seeking community feedback on several key components:

• A 13km underground cable linking a new converter station near the Kilmarnock South substation with a landfall point on the coast near Monkton, Ayrshire.

• A 30km marine HVDC cable running between Monkton and Grangestone, which is north of Girvan.

• A new switching station to be built at Grangestone, north of Girvan.

• The subsequent marine HVDC cables heading south from Grangestone through Scottish waters towards Wales.

"This project will help unlock the full potential of offshore wind, strengthen our energy network, and support the journey to an all-electric future," Ms Duffy added.

Following this initial consultation, SPEN will develop detailed designs for the landfall, converter station, switching station, and cable routes. A second round of consultation will follow once environmental appraisals are complete and detailed designs are ready.

The first Western Link, connecting Hunterston in Ayrshire and Connahs Quay in North Wales, is already operational.