SP Energy Networks is reaching out to local residents for their input on proposals that involve the installation of new underground cables and infrastructure in Fife.
The initiative, known as Eastern Green Link 4 (EGL4), is a collaboration between National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Transmission, a division of SP Energy Networks. The project aims to establish a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electrical link connecting Fife with Norfolk.
Upon completion, EGL4 will have the capacity to transmit up to 2GW of clean, renewable energy, sufficient to power approximately two million households. This transformative project is expected to drive investment in Net Zero initiatives, stimulate economic growth nationwide, facilitate the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, and contribute to greater energy independence for the UK.
Plans for EGL4 entail the construction of a new converter station near the existing substation at Westfield, near Ballingry, as well as the installation of underground cables between Westfield and a landfall point at Kinghorn, where they will connect to subsea cables.
A public consultation period is currently underway and will continue until May 10, during which local residents are encouraged to share their opinions on the proposals.
To facilitate engagement with the community, SP Energy Networks has organized drop-in sessions where members of the project team will be available to address questions and concerns. The first session will take place at the Benarty Centre on Tuesday, April 23, from 2pm until 7pm. A second session will be held at Auchtertool Village Hall on Wednesday, April 24, from 9am until 12.30pm.
Iain Adams, Deputy Project Director for Networks, emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the EGL4 project. He stated, “The Eastern Green Link 4 is part of an electricity superhighway that is crucial to the UK achieving Net Zero and boosting economic growth across the country. We’ve identified a preferred route for the EGL4 underground cables, and preferred sites for the landfall point and converter station, and we want to discuss our plans with residents to hear their views and help us develop our plans further. We hope people will come along to our events to find out more, but if not they can still contact us by telephone, Freepost, or email to ask questions or give us their comments.”