Known as Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), the project has been jointly developed by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSENT) and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). Once operational towards the end of this decade, the new connection will be the longest HVDC cable in the UK, capable of delivering power to around two million homes.
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EGL2 will run from a new converter station and landfall point at Sandford Bay, Peterhead, under the North Sea to a landfall point at Fraisthorpe on the East Yorkshire coast. Once onshore in England, it will run underground to a new converter station next to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire.
Due to the expansive nature of the project, there were four distinct planning elements that needed to be considered, by a multitude of authorities. Consent for a converter station and new pylon compound in Peterhead was granted by Aberdeenshire Council in May 2022. Marine licences for the subsea cable were then issued by both the Marine Management Organisation and Marine Scotland earlier this year.
On English soil, consent for EGL2’s onshore, underground cable was granted permission by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in May 2023. And finally, planning permission for the HVDC converter station next to Drax and the final section of cable was granted by North Yorkshire Council on 11 August 2023.
“We are delighted that our plans for the onshore and offshore elements of our project have been approved by all local planning authorities and marine licencing organisations,” said Sarah Sale, EGL2 deputy project director. “What was particularly pleasing to hear, was the support for the project and its purpose from a number of those planning authorities.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked alongside us to reach this key milestone, particularly those who have come forward and shared their views. We will continue to work with the local community and keep them updated as the project develops, and moves into construction, and would like to thank them in advance for hosting such an important project.”
EGL2 is one of four Eastern Green Links that are proposed between Scotland and England. SSEN is working with National Grid on EGL2 and EGL3, while Scottish Power Transmission and National Grid are developing EGL1 and EGL4. EGL2 is due to be completed in 2029.
“This renewable electricity superhighway is vital in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero and decarbonisation and we’re thrilled to be making such a significant contribution with the largest electricity transmission reinforcement project in the UK,” said Sale.
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