County Durham set to play crucial role in helping UK meet green energy ambitions

National Grid is set to launch a digital exhibition and run virtual consultation sessions on a proposal for a new energy link that will run from the Torness area in East Lothian and connect to the wider National Grid network at Hawthorn Pit in County Durham. Named the Scotland to England Green Link 1, or SEGL1, the link will be an important part of National Grid’s drive to meet the UK’s net-zero energy commitments.

The online exhibition, held on the project’s dedicated website will open on Monday 24 May and will run for approximately four weeks, until Friday 18 June. Attendees will be able to learn about the project in detail and share feedback via an online form. Visitors will also be able to attend live Q&A sessions on the website at the following times:

• Tuesday 25 May 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Thursday 27 May 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Monday 7 June 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Wednesday 9 June 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Those who have specific questions will also be able to schedule video meetings to speak to a National Grid team member. Information about these sessions, including instructions on how to register to attend, will be available on the project’s website after the consultation period has begun.

Neil Lyons, National Grid’s SEGL Project Director, said:“Consultation feedback is important to us and plays a significant part in influencing our plans. It helps us to understand what different stakeholders, community groups, landowners and organisations feel is most important and how we can improve our designs. We encourage everyone to get involved in our consultation process, it is the best way to share your views and let us know what you think about our proposals.”

Delivering cleaner, greener energy

The UK is already a world-leader in wind energy and has a target to become net zero in all greenhouse gases by 2050 for England and Wales and 2045 for Scotland. The Government’s net zero target means that as the country moves away from traditional forms of fuel to heat homes, charge vehicles, and power business, there will be a greater need for green electricity.

To help achieve these goals, National Grid must increase the capability of the network between Scotland, with its many renewable energy sources, and the rest of the UK.

When complete, SEGL1, and its sister project, SEGL2, will help deliver greener energy to homes and businesses throughout the UK, supporting the Government’s aim for every home in the country to be powered by offshore wind by the end of the decade. Neil Lyons, National Grid’s SEGL Project Director, added: “This area has a proud heritage helping to power Britain.  With the development of SEGL1, the area will continue to play a crucial role in helping to provide power to the nation as part of the green energy revolution.”

SEGL 1
National Grid is working with ScottishPower Transmission (SPT) to jointly develop a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link between Scotland and England. The Scotland to England Green Link 1 (SEGL1), will run from the Torness area in East Lothian, to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham.

SEGL1 will bring renewable energy from Scotland under the North Sea, before coming on land just north of Seaham in County Durham. The link will then run underground for around 9km before connecting to a new converter station and substation at Hawthorn Pit.

Connecting SEGL1 from Torness to the existing network at Hawthorn Pit, along with a further reinforcement of the network in Yorkshire (Yorkshire GREEN), will deliver the initial network capability needed across the Anglo-Scottish border in the most optimum way.

Many factors are very carefully considered before deciding on project locations including cost, benefit to the network, and how to minimise infrastructure and impact on people, places, and the environment.

National Grid will be applying for planning permission in 2022. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2023 and complete in 2027.

To learn more, visit the SEGL1 website at www.nationalgrid.com/segl1 and register to receive updates.

Contact for media information only:
Helen Blake
National Grid
+44 7790 824788
[email protected]