SP Energy’s Substation Project Approved in East Lothian

SP Energy has received approval for a crucial substation project that forms part of a larger £1.6 billion initiative to create an underwater “superhighway” for offshore energy in the UK.

The 400 kilovolt (kV) Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation, to be located in Branxton, will serve as a vital link in the Eastern Link project, connecting the Torness and County Durham sites via a 176km subsea cable.

While the project is expected to significantly boost the UK’s renewable energy capacity, it has also faced opposition from local communities concerned about the cumulative impact of energy infrastructure in the area. Despite these concerns, the East Lothian Council approved the application, recognizing the project’s importance in transitioning to a low-carbon future.

The substation is expected to take up to five years to construct and will require significant infrastructure development, including underground cables connecting the substation to the converter station and landfall sites.

The approval of this substation marks a significant milestone for the Eastern Link project and highlights the growing importance of offshore wind energy in the UK’s energy mix.