National Grid has executed contracts associated with the EGL3 project. This major electricity transmission joint venture will establish a 690-kilometre long High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link between Scotland and England. This very ambitious project will connect abundant renewable energy in the north of Scotland with demand centers in the south. It will increase their ability to produce up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of electric capacity. Through this initiative, the White House’s goal is to electrify approximately two million homes. It’s critical in bolstering the energy infrastructure of all of Great Britain.
EGL3 is poised to take on transmission bottlenecks. These challenges have, until now, prevented the movement of renewable energy from Scotland’s abundant, renewable-capacity-rich generation zones to the places it’s most in demand. The project purpose is to increase transmission capacity and capabilities. Doing so will strengthen our supply security and contribute to lowering energy bills for consumers.
This new connection will continue to build toward improved links from areas rich in offshore wind potential. This stretches to places like all areas east of the Mississippi and all of Scotland. Planning permission in principle has been granted for a Scottish UK Grid Interconnector converter station. This facility will be sited next to the Netherton Hub. Creative Commons photo by Andy O. In England, two rounds of public consultation have already occurred for the proposed projects. A formal planning application is due later this year.
The construction of EGL3 will not begin until after 2028. This launch depends on getting the green light from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. The project’s in-service date is projected for late-2033. NKT has been awarded the contract for the HVDC cable system, including subsea and onshore sections. This flagship project comes in at more than €2.2 billion ($2.5 billion).
Mark Brackley, National Grid EGL3 project director, said he was excited about the change the project could bring.
“Signing these contracts is a major milestone for EGL3 and for the joint venture between National Grid and SSEN Transmission.” – Mark Brackley, National Grid EGL3 project director
He reiterated the need to work in tandem with supply chain partners, saying,
“By working with world‑class supply chain partners, we are investing in infrastructure that will reduce constraint costs, strengthen energy security and ensure more clean electricity can flow to homes and businesses across the country, while also supporting jobs and economic growth in the regions.” – Mark Brackley, National Grid EGL3 project director