GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business and Mytilineos Energy & Metals have jointly secured a contract to support the construction of the first high-capacity east coast subsea link in the UK.

Awarded by National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Transmission, part of SP Energy Networks, the contract is worth £1bn.

The design phase is scheduled to commence in January 2024, with construction expected to begin in 2025.

The GE Vernova and MYTILINEOS consortium has been chosen to build two HV DC converter stations for Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1).

EGL1 is a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Transmission.

Under the contract, GE Vernova and MYTILINEOS will be responsible for the engineering and technology involved in creating the two voltage-source HV DC converter stations.

MYTILINEOS will be in charge of engineering, procurement, and construction of civil works, as well as balance of plant and equipment installation while GE Vernova will provide HV DC valves, control systems, and transformers.

GE Vernova Grid Solutions president and CEO Philippe Piron said: “This critical project to the UK’s decarbonisation and energy security efforts adds to a growing backlog of projects that are utilising GE Vernova’s advanced HV DC technology.”

These stations will serve to convert DC to AC for seamless integration into the onshore transmission network.

The HV DC cable system is anticipated to span approximately 190km.

EGL1 will see the development of a 525kV, 2GW bipole VSC, and HV DC subsea transmission cable that stretches from Torness in East Lothian, Scotland, to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, England.