Energy regulator Ofgem has approved a £2 billion funding package for the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) project, a crucial step towards enhancing the UK’s clean energy infrastructure. The project involves the construction of a 196km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable connecting Scotland and England, with the majority of the cable running under the North Sea.
Project Details
EGL1 will create a 2GW electrical superhighway between Torness in East Lothian, Scotland, and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, England. The cable is designed to transport renewable energy, primarily from offshore wind farms, to power approximately two million homes across the UK.
Beatrice Filkin, Ofgem director of major projects, explained: “Our fast-track process provides developers with access to some initial upfront funding from the projected budget, so they can secure the supply chain commitments needed to secure the sought-after materials to deliver this project as soon as possible.
“However, streamlining our process does not mean we’ve handed a blank cheque to the developers. We’ve built in safeguards which mean we can step in where needed to ensure they deliver maximum efficiency and benefit to customers.”
Economic and Environmental Impact
The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the UK. National Grid’s research suggests that there will be an estimated 400,000 job opportunities in the net zero energy workforce by 2050, with around 150,000 jobs anticipated in Scotland and the North of England.
EGL1 is also crucial for achieving the UK’s clean energy goals. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has identified it as an essential element in reaching the Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition.
Project Timeline and Funding
Construction work on EGL1 is planned to commence in 2025, with the new connection anticipated to be operational in 2029. EGL1 is the second of 26 critical energy projects, worth an estimated £20 billion, to successfully complete Ofgem’s new fast-track Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) framework. This framework is designed to speed up grid connection times for new offshore clean energy projects by up to two years.
As the UK continues its transition to clean energy, projects like EGL1 will play a vital role in ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply for the future.
