GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business and Mytilineos have been picked as preferred suppliers for converter stations for the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) project in the UK.
EGL1, a 525kV, 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea transmission link from East Lothian in Scotland to County Durham in England, is to be delivered by a joint venture of National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Transmission, part of SP Energy Networks.
The upgrade, which will help move more clean energy from where it is generated to where it is needed and play a major role in the UK moving towards its net zero target, includes three further subsea connections between Scotland and England of which this joint venture is the first.
GE Vernova is partnering with Mytilineos to provide the engineering works and technology for the HVDC convertor stations which form the terminals for the HVDC cable and convert the direct current to the alternating current used in the onshore transmission network.
The HVDC cable system is approximately 190km in length with converter stations at either end to connect it into the existing transmission network infrastructure.
GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business alone will be providing HVDC valves and controls systems, as well as HVDC transformers from its facilities in Staffordshire, UK.
Following final approval of regulatory allowances from Ofgem, full contracts are expected to be complete later this year with construction work due to begin in 2024.
The project’s targeted operational date is 2029.
Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie said: “We have a world class renewables sector that help us power Britain from Britain with reliable, clean, and affordable energy for families and businesses.
“With investment in renewables rising by 500% since 2010, we must continue to transform our electricity network to ensure we can move power from where it is generated to where it is needed.
“Projects like this will do just that and help us to grow the economy, reduce bills, achieve net zero and strengthen our energy security.”
EGL1’s converter package lead James Goode said: “This is an important milestone for EGL1 which is part of the new network infrastructure required to help the UK meet its net zero and energy security ambitions.
“Along with the formal joint venture announcement, this is another key part of the project.
“We look forward to working in collaboration with GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business and Mytilineos as the project continues to progress.”