£1.8bn to deliver the UK’s first high-capacity east coast cable project

This cable, stretching from Torness in East Lothian, Scotland to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, England, is designed to facilitate the transport of renewable green energy, capable of powering over two million homes in the UK.

Recently, EGL1 marked a pivotal advancement in constructing a new subsea electricity superhighway by awarding Prysmian Group a contract worth £750 million. This contract is to develop the UK's inaugural 525kV HVDC electricity transmission cable. Additionally, GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business and MYTILINEOS Energy & Metals have secured a £1 billion contract to design and construct two HVDC converter stations, one located at each end of the link.

The UK is currently undergoing a major transformation of its electricity grid, the most substantial in recent history, aimed at fostering a cleaner, greener, and more secure energy system. This transformation involves substantial investments in new electricity transmission projects nationwide.

This project, which is integral to the UK's goal of achieving net zero emissions, involves the construction of six subsea links between Scotland and England, with EGL1 being the inaugural project.

EGL1 not only represents a significant economic milestone for the UK but also offers substantial benefits for the supply chain, with considerable work and components being sourced from UK-based manufacturing, engineering, and construction industries. Staffordshire’s GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business will supply HVDC valves and control systems, including HVDC transformers, reinforcing commitments and investments in their facilities and the creation of new jobs in the industry.

EGL1 plays a crucial role in the UK's network infrastructure, essential for reaching net zero emissions and ensuring future energy security. It contributes to reducing dependence on volatile global wholesale gas markets.

According to National Grid’s research, the journey to net zero energy will create approximately 400,000 job opportunities by 2050, including around 150,000 jobs in Scotland and the North of England.

EGL1’s Project Director, Peter Roper, commented: “EGL1 is a transformative project for the UK, enhancing security of supply and helping to connect and transport green power for all customers. These contract announcements are significant wins for the supply chain and mark another key milestone in building the new network infrastructure to help the UK meet its net zero and energy security ambitions. We look forward to working collaboratively with Prysmian, GE Vernova, and MYTILINEOS as the project advances.”