Survey Work Commences on EGL1
Survey operations have officially begun on the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1). The project is is a £2.5 billion joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid Electricity Transmission, designed to deliver up to 2 GW of clean energy from Scotland to England—enough to power two million homes.
Scope and Significance of Survey Work
Italian cabling specialist Prysmian, the main EPCI contractor for EGL1, has commissioned Next Geosolutions to conduct comprehensive land topographic and marine geophysical and geotechnical surveys along the nearshore and offshore sections of the cable corridor. These detailed surveys, valued at over $42 million, will provide critical data for the final design and engineering of the 190 km subsea route between Torness in East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham.
Survey activities are slated to run from the second quarter through the fourth quarter of 2025. NextGeo will deploy advanced survey vessels equipped with MacArtney Focus ROTVs and Schilling HD Work-Class ROVs to ensure accurate seabed mapping and risk mitigation for the subsea installation.
Project Milestones and Timeline
- Onshore construction began in early 2025 following full regulatory approval by Ofgem, with offshore installation scheduled to start in summer 2025.
- The project includes 176 km of subsea cable and 20 km of underground cable, as well as new HVDC converter stations at each end, supplied by Metlen Energy & Metals and GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions.
- EGL1 is expected to be fully operational by 2029, with major construction works targeted for completion by March 2028.
Industry and Community Impact
EGL1 is a cornerstone in the UK’s strategy to achieve its 2030 target of 50 GW offshore wind connections and net zero ambitions. The project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, including job creation and investment in the local supply chain. According to project leaders, millions will be invested in local businesses, and dozens of jobs will be created for residents in the regions hosting the infrastructure.
Leadership Commentary
At the recent groundbreaking ceremony in Torness, attended by senior executives from SP Energy Networks, National Grid, and government officials, Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, emphasized the project’s transformative potential:
“Eastern Green Link 1 will play a transformative role in delivering the modern electricity network needed for the future. At the same time, it will deliver economic growth, jobs, and a supply chain boost right across the UK but importantly also for the communities hosting this vital infrastructure.”
Looking Ahead
As survey work progresses, EGL1 stands as a flagship for the UK’s grid modernization, enhancing energy security, enabling greater integration of renewable resources, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
