The developers of the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) subsea cable, a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Transmission, have recently granted contracts totaling nearly £2bn to their preferred suppliers. EGL1 aims to establish a 2GW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea transmission cable from Torness in East Lothian to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, facilitating the transmission of renewable power across the United Kingdom.
Prysmian Group has secured a £750m contract for the delivery of the 525kV HVDC electricity transmission cable, while GE Vernova's Grid Solutions business and Mytilineos Energy & Metals jointly received a £1bn contract for the supply and construction of two HVDC converter stations—one at each end of the transmission link.
The consortium, led by GE Vernova, will commence the design phase in January 2024, with construction slated to begin in 2025. Philippe Piron, President and CEO of GE Vernova's Grid Solutions, expressed honor at being awarded the HVDC contract, emphasizing its significance in contributing to the UK's decarbonization and energy security goals.
EGL1, featuring six subsea links connecting Scotland and England, represents a crucial step in transporting clean energy from its source to areas of demand, playing a pivotal role in the UK's pursuit of its net-zero target. GE Vernova's Grid Solutions business, headquartered in Staffordshire, will provide HVDC valves, control systems, and transformers, aligning with their commitment to facility upgrades and job creation to support industry growth.
Peter Roper, EGL1's Project Director, highlighted the significance of these contract awards for the supply chain, marking a significant milestone in building the necessary network infrastructure to support the UK's net-zero and energy security aspirations. The project underscores a collaborative effort with Prysmian, GE Vernova, and Mytilineos as EGL1 progresses towards completion.
