The UK has approved the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), a monumental project that will create the country's largest electricity transmission system between Scotland and England.
- EGL2 is set to enhances the UK's grid reliability by efficiently transmitting renewable energy from Scotland to England.
- The project is vital for achieving the UK's 2030 net-zero carbon emissions target and supporting the low-carbon transition.
- EGL2 creates jobs and boosts regional collaboration, driving significant economic benefits across the UK.
The "superhighway" Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2), is a 525kV, 2GW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea connection, stretching over 500 kilometres from Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in North Yorkshire. The £4.3 billion initiative is designed to transport renewable energy generated in Scotland to areas of high demand in England, supporting the UK's net-zero carbon emissions target by 2030.
EGL2 will play a crucial role in reducing energy congestion and enhancing the capacity and reliability of the national grid. The project will ensure that excess renewable energy, particularly from Scotland’s wind farms, can be transmitted efficiently to England, where energy demand is higher. This will not only help in balancing the supply and demand of electricity across the UK but also in integrating more renewable energy sources into the grid.
The project will involve extensive engineering work, including the installation of subsea cables and the construction of converter stations at both ends of the link. These stations will convert the electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for transmission through the subsea cables and then back to AC for distribution into the grid. The HVDC technology used in EGL2 is particularly efficient for long-distance transmission, minimising energy losses and making it ideal for connecting remote renewable energy sources to the grid.
In addition to supporting the UK's climate goals, EGL2 is part of a larger £20 billion investment in the country's electricity infrastructure. This broader investment plan is essential for modernising the grid, ensuring energy security, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy. The EGL2 project is expected to be completed by 2029, with construction set to begin later this year.
The initiative also represents a significant economic opportunity, creating jobs and stimulating local economies in both Scotland and England. The construction phase alone is expected to generate thousands of jobs, with additional economic benefits arising from the increased stability and efficiency of the national grid once the project is operational.
Moreover, EGL2 is a testament to the importance of collaboration between different regions of the UK in achieving shared energy and climate goals. The successful completion of this project will be a major step forward in the UK's efforts to decarbonise its energy sector, providing a more resilient and flexible electricity network that can support the growing demand for renewable energy.
Eastern Green Link 2 is a critical infrastructure project that will not only enhance the UK's energy security and grid reliability but also play a key role in the country's transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon future.