SSE, ScottishPower and National Grid have today confirmed they are developing plans to deliver an underwater ‘super-highway’ that will have capacity of up to 4GW and deliver clean energy generated in the North Sea.
The multi-billion pound Eastern Link will be made up of some of the world’s longest subsea HVDC cables and is expected to support hundreds of green jobs throughout construction and operation.
The project will be led by SSE, ScottishPower and National Grid, setting off from two separate points in Scotland – Peterhead and Torness – and stretching 440km down to two points in the north-east of England at Selby and Hawthorn Point.
Survey works along the route have recently started with construction currently expected to take place from 2024.
The three companies also confirmed that they will also be Principal Partners of the UN’s COP26 climate change event to be held in Glasgow in 2021.
SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said: “The development of the East Coast link is one of the most exciting energy developments over recent decades and is essential to delivering the UK’s 40GW offshore wind target by 2030 and critical to our own commitment to build a network for net zero emissions.
“With the eyes on the UK ahead of COP26 next year, this project clearly demonstrates how the UK is leading the world in tackling the climate emergency and supporting thousands of jobs and supply chain opportunities.”
ScottishPower chief executive Keith Anderson said: “COP26 will provide the perfect opportunity for the UK to showcase its innovation, progress and leadership in tackling climate change and we are proud to be major partners in the event.
“We firmly believe the UK can achieve its ambitious net zero targets but it must be done through investment and innovation in essential projects like the Eastern Link, providing benefits for customers and society in the long term.
“COP’s success is, in part, thanks to the collaboration of sectors, industries and countries and we are looking forward to exploring this mammoth opportunity with SSE and National Grid.”
National Grid UK executive director Nicola Shaw said: “This project will help transport enough renewable electricity for around 4.5 million homes across the UK and will become part of the backbone of the UK’s energy system.
“It’s a great example of companies working together on impressive engineering feats that will help the country hit its net zero carbon target by 2050.”