In a special ceremony attended by key stakeholders of the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) the subsea electricity superhighway, as well as representatives from the government and local authorities, construction work has officially begun on this pivotal project to strengthen the UK's electricity grid.
The £2.5 billion project, developed by the joint venture of SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, has already received approval from Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator. EGL1 will deliver clean energy to two million homes via a 190-kilometer subsea cable, connecting southeast Scotland to northeast England. While onshore construction is already underway, offshore installation is expected to begin this summer.
METLEN Energy & Metals, in partnership with GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions, has been selected to design and supply two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations—one at each end of the cable, in Torness (Scotland) and Hawthorn Pit (England). These stations will enable more efficient long-distance energy transmission, enhancing the stability and reliability of the grid. Specialized vessels will subsequently lay the cable along the seabed before connecting it to the power network.
The construction launch was marked by a special event in in Torness, SP Energy Networks CEO, Nicola Connelly and National Grid Electricity Transmission President of Strategic Infrastructure, Carl Trowell, were joined by Minister for Housing and MSP for East Lothian, Paul McLennan, to mark construction getting underway.
Minister for Housing and MSP for East Lothian, Paul McLennan, said: “I’m thrilled to be here in my constituency, East Lothian, today, marking the beginning of construction on the subsea electricity superhighway. As a key energy hub, East Lothian is at the heart of Scotland’s renewable growth, driving economic opportunities for both the region and the country. The £2.5 billion joint investment from SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission highlights their dedication to enhancing energy security while delivering significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to local communities hosting this vital infrastructure. I look forward to ongoing collaboration as the project advances and am eager to work with both organisations to advance local job opportunities and ensure the funds bring real benefits to East Lothian communities.”
METLEN’s contribution to the project is strategic, leveraging its expertise in infrastructure development and energy management to play a key role in the transition toward a more sustainable energy system.
Kostas Chorinos, Executive Director of M Power Projects at METLEN, stated: "The groundbreaking is an important milestone and marks the start of METLEN’s journey to help deliver EGL1. We’re proud to be part of a hugely significant project that will deliver national benefits. But we also want local communities to feel the benefits of the project and we’re fully behind this. We’ll be investing millions in the local supply chain, our workforce will be volunteering for thousands of hours within local communities, and we’ll be creating dozens of jobs for local people.”
Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: “Electricity supports every part of our day-to-day lives and with demand set to double we now need the grid to match. Eastern Green Link 1 will play a transformative role in delivering the modern electricity network needed for the future. At the same time, it will deliver economic growth, jobs and a supply chain boost right across the UK but importantly also for the communities hosting this vital infrastructure. Together with our partners at National Grid Electricity Transmission we will support our local communities with projects that matter to them and deliver long term social value and direct benefits for years to come.”
Carl Trowell, President of Strategic Infrastructure for National Grid Electricity Transmission said: "The electricity projects we are delivering from now to 2030 and beyond, both in Scotland and the rest of the UK are monumental. They will meet future energy demand, achieve greater energy security alongside the delivery of cleaner power, and will help to contribute to lower bills for consumers. With a focus on economic development and community engagement, this project will demonstrate firsthand the power of collaborative, large-scale infrastructure in creating lasting positive change.”
Also in attendance were Margarita Arif, Senior Director Grid & Digital Solutions and Konstantinos Zachos, Director Grid International, who reiterated METLEN’s commitment to utilising its expertise to upgrade the UK’s energy infrastructure as it continues to enhance its presence in UK’s Grids and Interconnections.
METLEN’s strategic focus on network development is critical to the success of the energy transition and the global integration of renewable energy sources. Strengthening grid capacity for energy transmission enhances stability and resilience. Subsea interconnectors, particularly in the context of the energy transition, play a vital role in facilitating the expansion and integration of renewables, improving grid stability, and fostering international collaboration for a more sustainable and diversified energy mix.
