The first project to proceed under a new fast track process has received a provisional £2billion funding package to deliver a subsea energy superhighway which could connect up to two million homes to clean energy.

The proposed Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) high voltage subsea cable would be able to transport 2GW of wind generated electricity between East Lothian and County Durham boosting energy security and helping to hit net zero targets.

EGL1 is being developed by National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and SP Transmission, part of SP Energy Networks. The vast majority of the 196km cable will be under the North Sea, with the remaining 20km of cables underground linking the cable to substations and converter stations in Torness, East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit, County Durham.

The proposed budget is now subject to a consultation. The project is also subject to it securing future planning permission in a process overseen by the Planning Inspectorate.

Rebecca Barnett, Ofgem Director of Major Projects, said:  “To meet future energy demand and Government net zero targets we need to accelerate the pace at which we build the high voltage energy network, which transport homegrown electricity to where it’s needed.  

“Eastern Link 1 is the first project to reach this stage under our new fast track Accelerated Strategic Transmission (ASTI) process designed to unlock investment, speed up major power projects and boost Britain’s energy security.” 

The consultation is due to close on Wednesday 17 April, Ofgem will consider all responses and will publish a decision on next steps on its website at ofgem.gov.uk/consultations.

View the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) – Project Assessment Consultation.

Further information from Ofgem can be read here.