On a crisp Thursday morning, the 26th of September, I had the honour of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the EGL2 project—a monumental £4.3 billion initiative set to revolutionise electricity transmission between Scotland and England. Marked by simultaneous events at Peterhead in Scotland and Wren Hall in Drax, North Yorkshire, the ceremony heralded the commencement of construction for what will become the UK’s longest HVDC cable. I had the opportunity to speak with Emma Robertson, a Senior Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, to gain an insider’s perspective on this ambitious venture.
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“Standing here today, it’s hard to believe we’re finally breaking ground,” Emma began, her voice resonating with both pride and excitement. “EGL2 is not just a project; it’s a vision realised—a vision of a more sustainable and interconnected energy future for the UK.” Emma, who has been with SSEN Transmission for over a decade, has overseen numerous large-scale infrastructure projects. However, she admits that the scale and significance of EGL2 make it particularly special. “This project, with its 525kV, 2GW high voltage direct current subsea transmission cable, is unprecedented in its scope. It’s the first of its kind and set to provide enough electricity to power two million homes.”
The ceremony itself was a blend of tradition and innovation. Representatives from National Grid and SSEN Transmission ceremonially dug the first spadefuls of earth at both ends of the subsea link, symbolising the collaborative effort behind the project. Emma was present at the Peterhead site, where she described a palpable sense of unity and purpose among the attendees. “Seeing everyone from different sectors—engineers, planners, environmental consultants—come together was inspiring,” she said. “It truly underscores the collaborative spirit essential for a project of this magnitude.”
One of the most compelling aspects of EGL2 is its potential to unlock Scotland’s rich renewable energy capacity. Emma explained that after travelling 436km under the sea from Peterhead, the subsea cable will come ashore at Fraisthorpe Sands on the East Yorkshire coast, before running underground for 68km to a new HVDC converter station at Drax. “This isn’t just about building a cable; it’s about creating a conduit for renewable energy,” she emphasised. “Once complete, EGL2 will significantly increase the UK’s capacity to deliver clean energy, playing a crucial role in our transition to a net-zero economy.”
The project is also set to have a substantial local impact, particularly in Yorkshire. At peak periods of construction, EGL2 is expected to support hundreds of local jobs. Earlier this year, more than 200 representatives from local businesses attended a buyer event showcasing a diverse range of skillsets, from plant hire and catering to steel fixing and logistics. “We’re committed to using local suppliers wherever possible,” Emma noted. “This not only creates employment opportunities but also establishes shorter supply chains, boosting sustainability.”
Representatives from specialist HVDC cable supplier Prysmian, and Hitachi Energy and BAM, responsible for the supply of converter stations, were also present at the ceremony. Emma highlighted the importance of these partnerships. “Collaboration is at the heart of this project,” she said. “Our partners bring invaluable expertise and innovation, ensuring that EGL2 sets new standards in efficiency and capability.” The project has also benefited from Ofgem’s fast-track approval process, which has expedited the delivery of renewable energy projects. “We’re here two years earlier than we might have been, thanks to Ofgem’s new process,” Emma acknowledged. “It’s a testament to the urgency and importance of our work.”
As construction activities commence, including site establishment and vegetation clearance at Wren Hall Converter Station in Drax, the focus will shift to surveying the underground cable route in the coming months. The project is expected to be operational by 2029, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s energy infrastructure. “Today is just the beginning,” Emma concluded. “As we move forward, we’ll continue to engage with local communities, stakeholders, and partners to ensure that EGL2 not only meets but exceeds expectations. This project is a beacon of what’s possible when we come together to tackle the challenges of our time.”
As I departed the ceremony, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism. The EGL2 project is more than just an engineering feat; it stands as a symbol of progress and a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving a sustainable future.
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