National Grid Proposes Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Projects in Eastern England

National Grid is inviting communities in parts of eastern England to view proposals for two new primarily offshore electricity infrastructure projects as part of The Great Grid Upgrade. The projects, known as Eastern Green Link 3 (EGL 3) and Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL 4), aim to enhance the transmission network between Scotland and England.

EGL 3 and EGL 4 are primarily subsea high voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity links, jointly developed by National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) with partners SSEN Transmission and SP Energy Networks. EGL 3 would run from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, under the North Sea to the Lincolnshire coastline, while EGL 4 would run from Westfield, Fife, also under the North Sea to the same landfall location as EGL 3.

After making landfall, both projects’ cables will run underground for approximately 100km to two proposed converter stations in the Walpole, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, area. These projects are essential to meet the increasing energy demand and securely transport energy generated in Scotland, particularly from offshore wind.

Consulting on both projects together allows local communities to understand how proposed electricity infrastructure can be linked together, offering potential opportunities for co-location of elements such as buildings and underground cables. This approach aims to minimize environmental impact and optimize project efficiency.

James Goode, Project Director for National Grid, emphasized the critical role of EGL 3 and EGL 4 in supporting the UK's transition to net zero emissions. These projects represent a significant step towards modernizing the transmission network and ensuring reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the region.