National Grid, in collaboration with local stakeholders, has extended an invitation to communities across East Lindsey, Boston, South Holland in Lincolnshire, as well as King's Lynn and West Norfolk, to participate in the review process of two pivotal offshore electricity infrastructure ventures. The consultation period, commencing today, offers an opportunity for feedback until June 17th.
Dubbed Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL 3) and Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL 4), these initiatives constitute integral components of The Great Grid Upgrade. Primarily conceived as subsea high voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity links, the projects aim to establish vital connections between Scotland and England, bolstering the nation's energy infrastructure.
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is spearheading EGL 3 in collaboration with SSEN Transmission (SSEN), while EGL 4 is a joint effort between NGET and SP Energy Networks (SPEN).
EGL 3 is slated to traverse from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, beneath the North Sea via marine cables, with a potential landfall either at Theddlethorpe or Anderby Creek along the Lincolnshire coastline. Meanwhile, EGL 4 will embark from Westfield, Fife, traversing the North Sea via marine cables to the same coastal landing sites as EGL 3.
Post-landfall, the cables of both projects will extend approximately 100km underground, terminating at two proposed converter stations in the Walpole area of King's Lynn and West Norfolk. Subsequently, underground cables will link these converter stations to the transmission network via a new proposed substation, also within the Walpole area.
The necessity for EGL 3 and EGL 4 arises from the inadequacy of the existing transmission network to accommodate the escalating energy production in Scotland, particularly from offshore wind sources.
By concurrently consulting on both projects, local communities are afforded a holistic view of the envisioned electricity infrastructure, fostering insights into potential synergies and opportunities for co-location of various project elements.
James Goode, Project Director for National Grid, emphasized the significance of EGL 3 and EGL 4 in the context of the UK's journey towards achieving net zero emissions, stating, “Eastern Green Link 3 and Eastern Green Link 4 are a critical part of the new electricity infrastructure required for the UK to reach net zero.” He further expressed anticipation for public input, affirming, “We look forward to hearing views from members of the public and we welcome feedback on our initial proposals.”
