Eastern Green Link 2, the new subsea electricity superhighway that will connect Scotland and England, has been granted planning permission by all relevant authorities.
The 525kV, 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea transmission cable from Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in England, is to be delivered as a joint venture between National Grid and SSEN Transmission.
Dubbed an ‘electricity superhighway’, Eastern Green Link 2 will be the longest HVDC cable in the UK – providing enough capacity to power more than two million homes. National Grid says that the cable’s construction will be ‘essential’ to meet the UK’s net zero commitments.
Four planning elements were considered by local authorities and marine management organisations in England and Scotland. This includes:
- Consent for a converter station and new pylon compound, in Peterhead, Scotland
- Consent for subsea cable in English and Scottish Waters
- Consent for underground cable in East Yorkshire, England
- Consent for a new converter station and section of underground cable in North Yorkshire, England
However, planning permission is just one hurdle that the project needed to overcome. Eastern Green Link 2 now awaits regulatory approval by Ofgem, although that is likely just a formality given the potential benefits of the project.
Sarah Sale, Deputy Project Director of Eastern Green Link 2, noted, “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. 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.
“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.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with a targeted operational date of 2029.
