Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) Enters Construction Phase
Construction has officially commenced on the Eastern GreenLink 2 (EGL2), a groundbreaking £4.3 billion project aimed at enhancing theUK's electricity infrastructure. This ambitious project will establish a high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea 525 kV transmission cable, and capable of delivering 2GW of electricity from Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in North Yorkshire, England. Once operational in 2029, the cable is expected to power approximately two million homes.
On September 26, simultaneous ceremonies were held at both ends of the subsea cable, marking a significant milestone in this national infrastructure project. Representatives from National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission participated, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind EGL2. The project is anticipated to create hundreds of local jobs during its peak construction phase, with recent events attracting over 250 local businesses interested in supply chain opportunities.
The EGL2 project aligns with the UK’s net zero targets and aims to bolster energy security. Gregor Alexander, Chair of SSEN Transmission’s Board, highlighted the project's potential to generate jobs while also supporting local environmental initiatives. Regulatory support has played a crucial role in the project's advancement; Ofgem has fast-tracked approvals for EGL2 under its Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) program,allowing construction to begin two years earlier than initially projected.
The subsea cable will run approximately 436 kilometers under the North Sea before reaching the East Yorkshire coast at Fraisthorpe Sands. An additional 68 kilometers of underground cabling will connect to a new HVDC converter station at Drax, facilitating efficient energy transfer across regions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy involving four proposed 2GW projects between Scotland and England, collectively capable of powering up to eight million homes.
As construction progresses, stakeholders remain committed to engaging with local communities to address concerns and ensure that the project delivers lasting benefits beyond its completion. The Eastern Green Link 2 represents a significant leap forward in the UK's efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure and enhance sustainability for future generations.
