Giant Staffordshire-built transformer ready to leave factory for major electricity link

A transformer built for Eastern Green Link 1 (EGL1) has completed production at GE Vernova’s Staffordshire factory and been loaded for transport, as work ramps up on one of Britain’s major new electricity links.

It is one of 14 transformers being manufactured by GE Vernova for EGL1, a new 2GW high voltage direct current subsea electricity link between Torness in East Lothian and Hawthorn Pit in County Durham. Once complete, the link will move cleaner, homegrown power from more affordable sources between Scotland and England, helping to ease network constraints, and will have enough capacity to power around two million homes.

The transformers will initially be transported from GE Vernova’s Staffordshire factory to storage at Ellesmere Port before being moved by sea to the project’s converter station sites. Installation is due to begin from July 2027 at Hawthorn Pit and Torness.

The transformers will form part of the converter stations at each end of the cable, where electricity is converted between alternating current and direct current so large volumes of power can travel efficiently over long distances.

Eastern Green Link 1 is being delivered by a joint venture between National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and SP Energy Networks. The 196km, mostly offshore electricity link is part of the investment needed to upgrade the transmission network, connect more renewable power and strengthen the UK’s energy security. It is one of five Eastern Green Link projects National Grid has under development and construction, which together will increase the network’s ability to move cleaner power across Great Britain. Creating more grid capacity between Scotland and England will also help reduce network constraints, meaning less renewable energy is wasted when the network cannot move it to where it is needed and helping to lower costs for consumers.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:  “This is a huge milestone for Eastern Green Link 1 - a project that will help Britain make the most of our clean homegrown power, transporting enough electricity to power around two million homes.

“Projects like this are supporting good jobs and growth in every part of the country, and today’s milestone is a credit to the skilled workers across the supply chain that are helping to build an energy system fit for the future.”

Mark Lissimore, Offshore Delivery Director at National Grid, said: “This is a significant moment for Eastern Green Link 1 and a clear example of the UK supply chain helping to deliver the grid of the future. This Staffordshire-built transformer highlights the UK engineering, skilled manufacturing and collaboration behind one of the country’s largest subsea electricity transmission links.

“Eastern Green Link 1 will help move more homegrown, cleaner electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed, strengthening energy security and supporting a more affordable and resilient energy system for the future.”

Matthew Barton HVDC Portfolio Director at SP Energy Networks said: “We are very proud to see this EGL1 transformer complete production and be loaded for transport at GE Vernova’s factory in Stafford. This is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to supporting the UK supply chain and investing in British expertise. It also marks an important milestone in the project's journey as we move ever closer to connecting one of the country's largest subsea electricity transmission links, helping to deliver a more secure and sustainable energy system for the future." 

Johan Bindele, CEO, Grid Systems Integration at GE Vernova said:
“Seeing this transformer complete production and prepare for transport from our Stafford factory is a proud moment for our team, but also for what it represents for the UK’s ability to meet future energy needs. This is UK engineering, built by skilled workers in Staffordshire, that will help support the country’s goals for a more sustainable and secure grid. Eastern Green Link 1 is exactly the kind of project that demonstrates what the UK supply chain can deliver and why continuing to invest in that capability matters."

Eastern Green Link 1 follows the award of around £1.8bn of contracts for the project in 2023, including a contract for GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business and Metlen to supply and construct two HVDC converter stations, one at each end of the cable.