A transformer built by GE Vernova in Staffordshire for the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) electricity transmission project has completed production and been loaded for transport ahead of installation from July 2027.
It is the first of 14 transformers being manufactured in the UK for the 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea link between Torness in East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham.
The 196km link, which will run mostly offshore, will transport enough electricity to power around two million homes. It is designed to increase transmission capacity between Scotland and England, helping to reduce network constraints and enable more renewable electricity to reach consumers.
The transformers will initially be transported from GE Vernova’s Stafford factory to storage at Ellesmere Port before being moved by sea to the project’s converter station sites. Installation is due to begin at Hawthorn Pit and Torness from July 2027.
The transformers will form part of the converter stations at either end of the link, where electricity is converted between alternating current and direct current to enable efficient transmission over long distances.
Johan Bindele
GE Vernova CEO of grid systems integration Johan Bindele said: “Seeing this transformer complete production and prepare for transport from our Stafford factory is a proud moment for our team, but also for what it represents for the UK’s ability to meet future energy needs.
“This is UK engineering, built by skilled workers in Staffordshire, that will help support the country’s goals for a more sustainable and secure grid.
“Eastern Green Link 1 is exactly the kind of project that demonstrates what the UK supply chain can deliver and why continuing to invest in that capability matters.”
EGL1 is being delivered by a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and SP Energy Networks. It forms part of the investment needed to upgrade the UK’s electricity transmission network, connect more renewable power and strengthen energy security.
Mark Lissimore
National Grid offshore delivery director Mark Lissimore said:
“This is a significant moment for Eastern Green Link 1 and a clear example of the UK supply chain helping to deliver the grid of the future. This Staffordshire-built transformer highlights the UK engineering, skilled manufacturing and collaboration behind one of the country’s largest subsea electricity transmission links.
“Eastern Green Link 1 will help move more homegrown, cleaner electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed, strengthening energy security and supporting a more affordable and resilient energy system for the future.”
National Grid has five Eastern Green Link projects under development and construction. Together, the projects will increase the network’s ability to move cleaner electricity across Great Britain.
Additional transmission capacity between Scotland and England will also help reduce network constraints, limiting the amount of renewable energy wasted when the network cannot transport it to where it is needed and helping to lower costs for consumers.
Matthew Barton
SP Energy Networks HVDC portfolio director Matthew Barton said: “This is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to supporting the UK supply chain and investing in British expertise.
“It also marks an important milestone in the project’s journey as we move ever closer to connecting one of the country’s largest subsea electricity transmission links, helping to deliver a more secure and sustainable energy system for the future.”
Around £1.8bn of contracts for EGL1 were awarded in 2023. These included a contract for GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business and Metlen to supply and construct two HVDC converter stations, one at each end of the cable.