Costs associated with delivery of Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) have been approved by Ofgem, enabling construction to start on the 2 GW subsea connection between Peterhead in the northeast of Scotland and Drax on England’s east coast.
The energy regulator’s decision on the project assessment for the 500 kilometer HVDC connection represents final approval in the regulatory process, allowing construction to get under way later this year.
A joint venture by National Grid and SSEN Transmission, EGL2 is slated to include the longest HVDC subsea cable in the U.K.
Contracts have awarded to deliver the project, including with Prysmian Group to supply cable, as well as with Hitachi Energy and BAM for the supply of converter stations at either end of the subsea cable.
“Ofgem’s decision to issue its final project assessment decision is a major milestone, and testament to the hard work of our project teams within SSEN Transmission and NGET in getting us to the stage where construction can begin later this year,” says Ricky Saez, EGL2 project director.
“We’re also delighted that Aberdeenshire Council has granted approval for our HVDC converter station near Peterhead, and we’d like to thank the council for their efficient handling of our applications and for their recognition of the importance of the project which will support hundreds of skilled jobs during the construction phase and thousands more across the wider economy.”
The connection is due to be operational in 2029.
