The UK energy regulator Ofgem has announced that the 2 GW Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) transmission project has been awarded a GBP2bn (€2.4bn) funding package. The EGL1 high voltage direct current (HVDC) project will see the laying of a new subsea and underground cable with a length of 196 km between Scotland and the north of England. Construction of the project is now scheduled to start in 2025, while completion is expected for 2029.
In August 2024, Ofgem also awarded a GBP3.4bn (€4bn) funding package for the 2 GW Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) transmission project, which will connect England and Scotland as well. Two additional projects, Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL 3) and Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL 4) are also currently being considered.
The projects are part of The Great Grid Upgrade, a multibillion investment in 17 major projects and new electricity transmission projects to modernise England and Wales’ grid infrastructure and to help connect more renewable energy to the grid.