National Grid Unveils Plans for Two New Electricity Transmission Cables from Scotland to England

National Grid has announced plans for two new large electricity transmission cables, known as Eastern Greenlink 3 and Eastern Greenlink 4, to be installed across the floor of the North Sea from Scotland to the Lincolnshire coast in England. The cables are intended to bring more renewable energy from Scottish wind farms into homes and businesses in the Midlands and South of England.

The project is part of National Grid's 'Great Grid Upgrade' to expand the electricity infrastructure and enable the UK to reach its net-zero emissions targets. "The existing system does not have the capacity to transport the amount of electricity being produced by wind farms in Scotland," National Grid said in a statement.

The cables will come ashore in Lincolnshire and be buried underground for 62 miles (100 km) before connecting to proposed converter stations and a new substation in the Walpole area. National Grid will hold a series of public consultation events along the proposed route of the scheme in various Lincolnshire towns and villages.

Why this matters: These new transmission cables are critical infrastructure projects to support the UK's transition to net zero emissions and reduce dependence on global fossil fuels. They will enable the transport of increasing amounts of renewable energy, particularly from offshore wind farms in Scotland, to power millions of homes in England.

The Eastern Greenlink 3 and 4 projects are separate from National Grid's plan to send power via pylons across the Lincolnshire Wolds, which has faced opposition from the local council. The company says the public consultation period, running from April 23 to June 17, 2023, will give communities the opportunity to provide feedback on the initial proposals and see how the projects can be linked together to enhance local energy supplies while supporting the UK's net zero targets.

Key Takeaways

• National Grid plans 2 new electricity transmission cables from Scotland to England.
• Cables aim to transport more renewable energy from Scottish wind farms to England.
• Part of National Grid's 'Great Grid Upgrade' to enable UK's net-zero emissions targets.
• Cables will come ashore in Lincolnshire and connect to new substations.
• Public consultations will gather feedback on the proposals and their local impact.