Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) marine power line

The Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) External link, opens in new window. project involves the construction of a major high-voltage electricity transmission cable that will run mainly along the seabed. Our subsidiary ScottishPower Energy Networks (responsible for the electricity transmission network in central and southern Scotland) is developing the project in a consortium with National Grid Electricity Transmission (which is responsible for the network in England). This “electricity superhighway” will connect Torness, in south-east Scotland, with Hawthorn Pit, in north-east England, along a route of almost 196 kilometres.

Its main aim is to channel the large amounts of renewable energy generated in Scotland and efficiently transport it to major consumption centres in England, helping to drive the electrification of the economy. With a transmission capacity of 2 GW, EGL1 will be able to supply clean electricity equivalent to the consumption of around two million homes. Following the start of onshore and offshore construction work in 2025, the project is progressing as planned and is expected to become operational in 2029.

Boosting energy transition and jobs in the UK

The UK is transforming the electricity grid in the biggest overhaul in generations to contribute to a cleaner, greener and more secure energy system. This involves multi-million pound investments in new electricity transmission projects across the country.

In this context, Eastern Green Link 1 represents a major economic triumph for the UK, being considered one of the largest electricity transmission investment projects in the country's recent history at £2.5 billion. But it is also a boost for the UK supply chain, as several UK companies will supply major works and components. This is the case of GE Vernova's Grid Solutions division (based in Staffordshire), which will supply HVDC valves and control systems, as well as HVDC transformers. 

Eastern Green Link 1 is a key part of the new grid infrastructure to accelerate the UK's energy transition. According to Ofgem, this new infrastructure is needed to improve the capacity of the interconnection network between Scotland and England and enable renewable energy produced in Scotland to reach the most energy intensive regions of the country. It will also play a critical role in supporting the nation's future security of supply, reducing dependency and price exposure to volatile global wholesale gas markets. 

On this path to a greener future, National Grid estimates the creation of 400,000 job opportunities in the country to achieve net zero energy by 2050, including around 150,000 jobs planned in Scotland and the north of England.

The east coast of Scotland is already home to almost 1 GW of operational offshore wind farms with a further 4.4 GW in the pipeline. Furthermore, some 10 additional GW are predicted following the outcome of the next round of tenders for offshore wind energy in Scotland, ScotWind.

This multi-billion-pound investment is expected to secure hundreds of green jobs in both the construction and operation of the project.

Iberdrola, a world leader in smart grids

Smart grids are essential for the support of the electrification of the economy and to ensure that renewable energy reaches consumers safely and efficiently. At Iberdrola, we operate one of the world’s most important distribution systems and continue to work on its modernisation, digitalisation and automation. For this reason, the Networks business is now a core part of our Strategic Plan, with an investment of €37 billion planned for 2028 across distribution and transmission.