Mott MacDonald to support National Grid in design of high-voltage links to increase renewable energy connectivity

Mott MacDonald, the global engineering, management, and development consultancy, has been appointed as front-end engineering designer (FEED) on two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connections for National Grid, to support increased renewable energy connectivity between England and Scotland.

National Grid is currently undertaking significant changes to the grid so the whole country has access to and can benefit from clean energy. The aim is to connect renewable energy to more homes and businesses across the UK, making clean energy more reliable, accessible, and secure for everyone.

The Eastern Green Links (EGL) 3 & 4 projects are joint ventures between National Grid and SSE and National Grid and Scottish Power respectively. The projects will see the creation of two HVDC connections between Scotland and England to increase network capability to connect the numerous new offshore wind farms that are in development.

Mott MacDonald has already provided the options appraisal process and technical support in developing a preferred corridor for the projects and will now be providing support on the terrestrial aspects of the English developments, consisting of approximately 100km of onshore HVDC cable and associated converter stations. It will also support the projects through statutory consultation and the development consent order process.

Caroline Pye, Mott MacDonald’s development manager for networks, said: “We’re excited to continue our collaboration with National Grid and the wider project team and stakeholders on ELG3 and 4. By increasing the share of renewable energy in the UK's electricity mix, these projects will support the UK government’s ambition to connect 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.”

It is anticipated that the project developments could support up to 130,000 jobs and contribute up to £11bn of gross value added to the UK economy.