Prysmian and SP Energy Networks Complete 525 kV DC Cable Type-Testing for 2 GW Eastern Green Link 1

Prysmian and the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid have completed rigorous electrical and mechanical typ...

Prysmian and the Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) joint venture between SP Energy Networks and National Grid have completed rigorous electrical and mechanical type-testing of extruded 525 kV subsea HVDC cables, validating 90°C thermal ratings and deep-water laying tolerances ahead of 2027 offshore installation.

Validating Ultra-High-Voltage Extruded Cable Integrity

The £2.5 billion EGL1 project will transmit 2 GW of renewable energy across 196 km (comprising 176 km of submarine cable and 20 km of terrestrial underground cable) from Torness in East Lothian, Scotland to Hawthorn Pit in County Durham, England.

Following CIGRE recommendations and Electra 286 standards, Prysmian subjected production-representative cable lengths to continuous load cycle testing at 90°C conductor temperatures, superimposing 1,050 kV lightning impulse voltages while simulating seabed seabed mechanical bending and tensile loads.

Accelerated Construction at the Murton Converter Station

Concurrent with cable qualification, structural steelwork and heavy civil foundation piling have progressed at the English converter station site in Murton, County Durham. The converter hall will house GE Vernova and Metlen Energy & Metals Voltage Source Converter (VSC) valve structures and 525 kV converter transformers.

Specialized rail-to-road heavy transport logistics have been validated to move the 290-tonne converter transformer main tanks from coastal docks directly to the Murton substation platform.

Unlocking Scottish Wind for British Consumers

Once fully operational in 2029, EGL1 will transmit enough electricity to power two million British households, directly relieving Anglo-Scottish transmission grid congestion.

The successful completion of cable type-testing clears the path for cable spooling onto specialized offshore laying vessels scheduled for deployment in early 2027.