Prysmian Group, a leading provider of energy and telecom cable systems, has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) project in the United Kingdom. EGL1, a significant undertaking in the country's energy infrastructure, is a planned high voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine and underground cable link that spans approximately 200 kilometers, requiring around 400 kilometers of cable. It will connect Torness in Scotland to Hawthorn Pit in the north of England.
The primary objective of EGL1 is to reinforce the existing UK transmission network and enhance its capacity to accommodate the rising influx of renewable energy generation in the northern regions, which will be transmitted to demand centers in the south. The project's successful realization will contribute to the ambitious goal of enabling 50 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind generation by 2030, while also propelling the nation toward achieving a Net Zero economy by 2050.
Prysmian Group is currently engaged in contract negotiations and aims to conclude the agreement later this year. If the project proceeds as planned, EGL1 will mark a significant milestone as the first cable system in the UK to utilize 525 kilovolt (kV) technology with extruded cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation. This advanced technology will enable the connection to have a remarkable power transmission capacity of 2GW.
Additionally, an alternating current (AC) 400kV cable system will be installed for a 5-kilometer route length, requiring approximately 30 kilometers of cable. This HVAC cable system will connect the converter station and grid substation at the Scottish end of the route, further enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the EGL1 project.
The EGL1 project signifies a substantial step forward in the UK's efforts to strengthen its energy infrastructure and embrace renewable energy sources. It represents a crucial development in supporting the nation's transition towards a sustainable future and attaining its long-term environmental targets. As Prysmian Group advances in its contract negotiations, the successful execution of EGL1 will contribute significantly to the UK's renewable energy expansion and pave the way for future advancements in the country's transmission network.
