Welcome
The UK faces a major challenge in how it continues to meet the country's increasing energy needs and addresses the problem of climate change; as a result, the way the UK generates electricity is changing significantly.
In the UK there has been a rapid growth in renewable energy as we move towards becoming a low carbon economy. This means that we need to strengthen and increase the capacity of the UK's electricity transmission system.
What is the Western HVDC Link?
The Western High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Link is a major electricity transmission project being jointly developed by National Grid Electricity Transmission and SP Transmission. We propose to develop a subsea HVDC cable on the western side of the UK, which will connect Scotland with England and Wales. The Western HVDC Link will provide much needed additional capacity on the Great Britain (GB) Transmission System and will support the continued growth and expansion of renewable energy as the UK works towards becoming a low-carbon economy.
Key facts about the Project
- First time HVDC technology has been used as an integral part of the GB Transmission System.
- Connects the high-voltage transmission system in Scotland with England and Wales.
- Comprises over 400km of HVDC cable and converter stations at Hunterston, North Ayrshire in Scotland and at Connah's Quay in Flintshire, north Wales.
- Provides an additional 2000 megawatts (MW) of capacity on the transmission system.
- Is bi-directional allowing electricity to flow north or south according to future supply and demand.
- Will be constructed and operational by late 2015.
The Cable Route
